Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard is heading home at the conclusion of the current English Premiership season.
According to News24, the 30-year-old goal-kicking ace is set to return to the Bulls, where his career launched in 2013 after starring for the 2012 Junior Springboks on a run to the Junior World Championship title.
Pollard’s Leicester Tigers contract expires in June and, though there was reportedly much interest from cash-flush clubs in Japan, the 80-Test veteran has opted to put pen to paper with the Bulls.
READ: R10-million carrot to bring Polly home?
The Paarl Gimnasium old boy shocked Western Province officials and fans alike when he agreed to terms with the Bulls in 2013, making Loftus Versfeld his homeground until 2019 with a three-month Japanese sabbatical at Red Hurricanes in 2015.
In 2019, he moved to the Top 14 for three injury-plagued seasons before joining Leicester in 2022.
Having won a bronze medal at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Pollard was central to the Boks’ success at the Japan tournament in 2019 and famously parachuted in to kick South Africa to victory by one point in three successive playoffs to clinch the trophy again in 2023.
The acquisition would be a significant coup for the Bulls given their extended search for quality and stability at flyhalf since Morne Steyn retired in 2023.
Having recently extended Willie le Roux’s deal, Pollard’s arrival would arm the Bulls with experienced playmakers who have won on the biggest stage.
According to the report, Pollard’s contract value is upwards of R15 million.
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