The Kings sign flyhalf Catrakilis

Harlequins fly-half Demetri Catrakilis will leave the Club to return to South Africa to join Pro 14 side the Southern Kings.

Nicknamed “The Greek God”, Demetri Catrakilis, returns to the Southern Kings where he will be one of the standout signings for the side ahead of the new season starting in September.

After much speculation and interest, the English Premiership side, Harlequins, and the Southern Kings reached an agreement for the talented flyhalf to return to Port Elizabeth to re-join the side he played for in 2013, for the Guinness PRO14 2019/20 season.

The 29-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the franchise, with the option of an extension at the end of June next year. He will join the Southern Kings in July.

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

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

The standoff’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: “Dim 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 at 10. We thank him for his contribution and wish him and his wife the very best in their next chapter.”

Catrakilis added: “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.”

 Southern Kings Director of High Performance, Robbi Kempson, commented “We are happy to announce that Demetri Catrakilis will be joining us for the upcoming season, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the flyhalf department,”

Catrakilis was part of the Southern Kings team that played in the 2013 Super Rugby campaign where he proved to be a valuable asset, playing in 15 matches and top scoring with 151 points- which was a record for the franchise in Super Rugby.

He has also played for the Stormers (2014-2015) and French Top 14 side Montpellier (2015-2017) before joining Harlequins in 2017.

Commenting on his return to the Southern Kings, Catrakilis added: “I’m extremely excited to be back at The Kings. I left a piece of my heart in PE when I left in 2013 and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to come back.

“I cannot wait to get to work with Robbi Kempson and the team to make this a successful forthcoming season. I’ve been following the ISUZU Southern Kings closely ever since I left and I’m looking forward to giving my all to the team and the supporters.”