Andre Esterhuizen: Inside New Springboks Captain and Wife Mabea’s Planned Coastal House in Durban

Andre Esterhuizen: Inside New Springboks Captain and Wife Mabea’s Planned Coastal House in Durban

  • Andre Esterhuizen was named Springbok captain for South Africa's Test against Australia, marking a first in his career
  • The 32-year-old South African rugby star returned to the Sharks in 2024 and is contracted with the club until 2030
  • Esterhuizen and wife Mabea are planning a new coastal home in the Umhlanga and Sibaya region north of Durban

André Esterhuizen has been appointed captain of the Springboks for South Africa's upcoming Test against Australia in Perth, a significant first in the career of the 32-year-old centre who has steadily grown into one of South African rugby's senior figures.

Born in Klerksdorp, Esterhuizen relocated to Durban in 2013 and made his Sharks debut the following year before earning his first Springbok cap in 2018. He subsequently spent four seasons with Harlequins in England, where he was part of the squad that claimed the Premiership title in 2021. He returned to the Sharks in 2024, and the club has since secured his services on a contract running until 2030.

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Esterhuizen's role under Rassie Erasmus

His value to both the Sharks and the Springboks lies in his versatility. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has deployed him in a hybrid centre and loose forward role, a position that demands physical dominance and tactical intelligence in equal measure.

That adaptability appears central to his appointment as skipper for the Perth fixture.

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A family home taking shape in Durban

Off the field, Esterhuizen and his wife, Mabea, are raising three children together. Their strong family bond was on display during South Africa’s 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign in France, when Mabea and the children joined him for the tournament.

The couple are now taking that family focus a step further with plans for a new home in the Umhlanga-Sibaya coastal area north of Durban. Designed in collaboration with Gerhard Architect, the single-storey property is centred around a resort-inspired courtyard and swimming pool.

A long lap pool forms the centrepiece of the outdoor space, with sun loungers, landscaped gardens and a trampoline adding to the family-friendly setting.

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Inside, expansive sliding glass walls provide direct views of the pool terrace. A gallery-style passage overlooking the water is designed to display framed sports jerseys and leads into an open-plan kitchen and bar area, complete with a dark timber island.

The home will also feature an outdoor entertainment area beneath a pergola surrounded by tropical vegetation. The space includes a fireplace and dedicated braai area, creating an ideal setting for family gatherings and entertaining guests.

Aerial renderings show several wings positioned around landscaped courtyards, alongside a green roof covered in vegetation. The design also includes a rooftop deck and pool.

Rather than being designed as a flashy trophy home, the property appears to prioritise privacy, relaxation and family living, creating a coastal retreat suited to the KwaZulu-Natal lifestyle.

Damian de Allende's car collection

Briefly News previously highlighted some of Springbok centre Damian de Allende’s luxury cars and brand partnerships.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Sports Journalist with over nine years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@briefly.co.za.