Handre Pollard, the South African fly-half, will leave Leicester Tigers after the season to rejoin his former club, the Bulls. He cited family reasons and the attraction of returning to where he began his career as motivators for his decision. Pollard will continue playing for Leicester until the season concludes while reflecting fondly on his time there.
South African fly-half Handre Pollard will depart Leicester Tigers at the conclusion of the current season to rejoin the Bulls in his native country. Pollard, a two-time World Cup champion, signed with Leicester ahead of the 2022-23 season, amassing 45 appearances and scoring a total of 395 points during his tenure. His decision is fueled by family considerations and a compelling desire to return to the club where his professional journey commenced in 2014.
Reflecting on his time at Leicester Tigers, Pollard expressed, “It was a hard decision to make, to leave Leicester Tigers, because I love this club and being a part of this group.” He indicated that, after considerable thought, he felt that returning to South Africa after six years abroad was a decision that was beneficial for both himself and his family. Pollard emphasized his ongoing commitment to Leicester, stating, “There is a lot of rugby to be played and a lot of time left for me at Leicester Tigers, which I am focused on finishing successfully.”
Pollard first rose to prominence with the Bulls in 2014 and subsequently played for the Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in 2015, followed by a term at the French side Montpellier in 2019. His notable achievements include winning the World Cup with South Africa in 2019, where they triumphed over England, and again in 2023, where he notably contributed all points in a narrow victory against New Zealand. Pollard will continue his participation with Leicester, who presently stand fourth in the Premiership, until the season’s end.
In conclusion, Handre Pollard’s return to the Bulls signifies both a personal and professional milestone as he seeks to reconnect with his roots in South Africa. His journey over the past six years in Europe has been marked by significant contributions to Leicester Tigers and the South African national team. As he prepares for this transition, Pollard remains dedicated to ensuring a successful conclusion to his current season with Leicester.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
