Harlequins Captain Alex Dombrandt Extends Contract

Harlequins captain Alex Dombrandt has become the latest player to sign a new contract, part of a series of extensions at the Premiership club. The England number eight assumed the Quins captaincy from South African Stephan Lewies during the summer. Vice-captain Cadan Murley and England teammates Marcus Smith and Fin Baxter are among the other players who have recently committed their future to The Stoop. Dombrandt, 27, has scored 76 tries in 144 appearances for the club, known for its “famous quarters,” and possesses 20 international caps. “This is a club that I love and I think we’re going places with the players we have in the squad and group of coaching staff,” he told the Harlequins website. Cassius Cleaves, Will Porter, Will Evans, Tyrone Green, Sam Riley, Nick David, and Lewies have all signed new deals since the beginning of November. The club has not disclosed the length of any of these contracts, with the exception of England fly-half Smith’s, which extends until 2028. Both Captain Dombrandt and vice-captain Cadan Murley have signed new contracts at Harlequins. Dombrandt joined Harlequins from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2018. He played in all 22 league fixtures when Quins won the Premiership title in 2020-21, playing a leading role in his side’s 40-38 final victory over Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham. His strong club form was recognized with his England Test debut in June 2021 against Canada. Dombrandt came off the bench in England’s autumn international defeats against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Regarding the Quins supporters, he said, “I think we have the best fans in the world – they come rain or shine, home and away. Wherever we are in the world they’re always there supporting us. They’re all a massive part of why this club is so special.” He further added, “It’s an honour to be captain of a club I hold so close to my heart. That being said, we have a number of leaders in the group who support me and I can lean on as we work towards our goal of winning more trophies.”