Alex Dombrandt, at 27 years old, has been appointed as the new captain of Harlequins, taking over from Stephan Lewies. Lewies, who held the position for four years, has decided to step down. Dombrandt, a number eight player, has an impressive record of 70 tries in 139 appearances for Quins and has also represented England 17 times.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Dombrandt stated, “I’m massively honoured to captain Quins, the club I love, and I can’t wait to lead my teammates this season, playing in front of the best supporters in the league, and striving to achieve our objectives and consistent success.” Cadan Murley has been named the vice-captain alongside Dombrandt.
In recognition of Lewies’ contribution, Quins director of rugby, Billy Millard, praised his leadership over the years. Millard highlighted Lewies as a key figure in the success and growth of the men’s programme, emphasizing his impact as a leader within the team. Despite stepping down as captain, Lewies is expected to continue providing valuable experience and leadership within the squad.
Speaking about Dombrandt’s appointment, Millard expressed confidence in the new captain’s abilities. Describing Dombrandt as a true Harlequin, Millard commended his leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch. He noted Dombrandt’s strong communication skills and positive relationships within the team, highlighting him as a natural choice for the captaincy role.
Looking ahead, Millard expressed optimism about the team’s development under Dombrandt’s leadership, especially with the support of vice-captain Cadan Murley. Both players are seen as instrumental in guiding the squad towards further success on the field. As Dombrandt takes on his new role, the Harlequins community eagerly anticipates the upcoming season under his captaincy.
