South Africa’s renowned fly-half, Handre Pollard, is set to leave Leicester Tigers at the conclusion of this season to return to the Bulls, his original club. This move comes after a successful stint in England, during which Pollard made 45 appearances and scored 395 points.

Pollard, a pivotal player in South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, cited family reasons and the allure of returning to his roots as the primary motivations for his decision. In a recent statement on the Leicester Tigers’ official website, Pollard expressed his affection for the club but emphasized the personal nature of his choice.

“It was a hard decision to make, to leave Leicester Tigers, because I love this club and being a part of this group,” Pollard remarked. “After a lot of thought, the opportunity to go home to South Africa after six years in Europe and to be able to return to the club where I began my career was one I felt was right for me and my family to take.

Pollard’s journey in professional rugby began with the Bulls in 2014, followed by periods with the Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in 2015 and the French side Montpellier in 2019. His return to the Bulls is anticipated to bolster the team’s performance in the upcoming seasons.

Pollard’s Legacy at Leicester Tigers

During his time with Leicester Tigers, Pollard was instrumental in several key victories, solidifying his reputation as one of the most formidable fly-halves in the sport. His leadership on the field and his ability to score under pressure were critical in Leicester’s campaign.

Looking Ahead

As Pollard prepares to conclude his tenure with Leicester Tigers, the rugby community watches with keen interest. His return to the Bulls not only marks a significant personal milestone but also promises exciting developments for South African rugby.

Pollard remains committed to his current role with Leicester until the season’s end, ensuring his focus is on delivering strong performances in the remaining games.