Stormers and Bok prop Wilco Louw will be released early from his contract to join English club Harlequins at the end of the Vodacom Super Rugby season.

The front rower, who has 48 caps for the Stormers and 57 for Western Province, will join the Premiership outfit in July, having been granted an early release from his contract with Western Province Rugby.

Stormers coach John Dobson said that he is grateful that a resolution which suits all parties has been found.

‘While we did not want to stand in Wilco’s way, we also know that he has a huge role to play in our Vodacom Super Rugby campaign this season and we are happy that we have an agreement which allows him to focus on his rugby.

‘Wilco has been a selfless servant of Western Province and the Stormers and we are all hoping that he will be able to end his time here on a high as we all look to make the most of the final Super Rugby season at Newlands,’ he said.

Louw said that while he is excited about the next chapter of his career in England, he is also determined to make his last season at Newlands a memorable one.

‘I have grown both as a player and a person in my time at Newlands, so I will be going all out to contribute as much as I can to the team this season.

‘I am also looking forward to what the future holds with Harlequins and will take many happy memories of my time with Western Province and the Stormers with me when I leave in July,’ he said.

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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images