WATCH: Courtney Lawes proves tough-guy image in scuffle with Springboks’ Andre Esterhuizen

Colin Newboult
Andre Esterhuizen and Courtney Lawes involved in a scuffle during Premiership clash.

Andre Esterhuizen and Courtney Lawes involved in a scuffle during Premiership clash.

Former England flanker Courtney Lawes showed that he’s not scared by much, on the field at least, when he and South Africa’s Andre Esterhuizen went head-to-head.

The duo squared up during Friday’s Premiership match between Northampton Saints and Harlequins as the ex-Red Rose forward took exception to something the centre did.

Lawes proceeded to push Esterhuizen, who retaliated by lunging towards his opponent in an attempt to get him to flinch.

Words exchanged

The 34-year-old was not having it, however, and did not move, instead saying a few choice words to the Rugby World Cup winner as they rejoined the action.

Both of these players were named in their respective squads for the World Cup, but they did not face each other in their semi-final clash.

Lawes started at blindside for England but Esterhuizen did not make the 23, with Jacques Nienaber unsurprisingly opting for the tried and trusted midfield powerhouse Damian de Allende.

Despite the best efforts of the English forward, it was Esterhuizen’s side that went away with the victory as they claimed a 16-15 triumph, before going on to the lift the Webb Ellis Cup a week later.

Lawes would have his revenge of sorts, though, as his Northampton outfit edged to a 36-33 triumph over Harlequins at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday.

Reaction

The incident caused a stir on social media, with people split over the minor scuffle.

“That didn’t quite work out how he intended did it. Courtney didn’t even flinch,” one user on X, former known as Twitter, wrote.

Another added: “Bit embarrassing when Esterhuizen was bossed by (George) Furbank all game!”

However, South African supporters were quick to point out that Esterhuizen has something in his cabinet that Lawes doesn’t.

“Andre is a World Cup winner. He’s got no time for this,” one wrote, while someone else stated: “At the end of the day… Esterhuizen is a world champ and Lawes will never be one.”

READ MORE: Northampton win 69-point thriller

Harlequins Andre Esterhuizen Courtney Lawes

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