Demetri Catrakilis is heading home after getting cast aside by Harlequins

Harlequins fly-half Demetri Catrakilis will leave the Gallagher Premiership club to join Guinness PRO14 side Southern Kings in his native South Africa.

Catrakilis joined Harlequins ahead of the 2017/18 season from Top 14 side Montpellier and has gone on to make only 13 appearances for the London club over two seasons that were unfortunately dominated by injury.

Despite suffering a serious throat injury early in his first season against Gloucester at the Stoop, Catrakilis returned to the starting line-up in March where his accurate tactical and place kicking was instrumental to the victory against Bath in the Premiership.

The stand-off’s skillset also came to the fore this year during Quins’ European Challenge Cup quarter-final victory against Worcester Warriors at Sixways, where his precision with the boot helped secure his side’s first European semi-final in three seasons.

Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard said: “Demetri showed great mental strength to come back from a nasty injury last season and return to elite level rugby.

“His game time has been limited this season partly due to injury allied to the continued development of Marcus and James (Lang) at 10. We thank him for his contribution and wish him and his wife the very best in their next chapter.”

Catrakilis explained: “I’m grateful for the chance to grow as a person over the last two years at Harlequins. I’d like to thank the fans for their unwavering support of the club and players - I’ve made some great friends here!

“I’d like to wish the club all the best for their upcoming season and I will be cheering on the boys from afar.”

The soon-to-be 30-year-old made his professional ranks breakthrough in the 2010/11 Vodacom Cup with Western Province. He then had three Super Rugby seasons with the Stormers either side of a one-season stint with the Kings in 2013. 

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