After the news of Handre Pollard’s homecoming came to light on Friday, the Bulls have officially confirmed the signing and return to Loftus Versfeld of the Springbok flyhalf.
The double World Cup-winner returns home on an initial two year deal which begins on the 1st of July, with Pollard set to head back to the Bulls after stints overseas in Japan, France and England.
Before leaving for Europe in 2019, the 30-year old had made 62 professional appearances in his six years in Pretoria and had scored 629 points, including eleven tries, 119 penalties, 104 conversions and four drop goals, and now returns to add more to that tally.
“I am really grateful for this opportunity,” said Pollard as he reflects on the opportunity to return to Loftus. “It’s something I don’t take for granted. Being able to come home after a great few years overseas, I’m beyond excited.”
“I started my career at the Bulls, and those six years played a massive role in the person and player I am today. This team and franchise have always had a special place in my heart, and I can’t see myself anywhere else in South Africa.”
The goal-kicking maestro says he looks forward to one thing and that is: “Running out at Loftus again in front of the proud Vodacom Bulls supporters.”
Bulls welcome the recruit of Handre Pollard
Considering Pollard’s multi-million rand contract at Leicester, and high market value, it was expected that he would most likely remain overseas, but the Bulls have done a great piece of business in completing this signing, which undoubtedly would have needed the Springbok star to accept a reduced pay cheque.
BBCo. Chief Executive Edgar Rathbone says welcoming back a more experienced Pollard will be good for everyone at Loftus.
“It is good to be welcoming Handre back to his home, a ground he has had great memories at and a place he knows very well because of his time here back then. He was a fan favourite back then, which left a lot of people sad when he left to expand his wings abroad. I am happy that today, we are able to bring him back and I am confident that it is to the delight of many South Africans that they will be able to see him back in the Bulls shirt,”
“He left us as a 24-year-old with so much to offer this game and returns six years more mature and seasoned with a lot of time under his belt. He had only 39 caps for the Boks, and now he boasts 80 international caps. He has a wealth of international club rugby experience, which will be great for us as we continue to settle and challenge for silverware in competitions against major European clubs,”
Rathbone concluded by noting: “Pollard has invaluable experience, especially if you consider the average age of our group.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS MOVE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/bulls/confirmed-when-handre-pollard-will-join-bulls-contract-details/
