Handre Pollard returns to Loftus Versfeld

The Vodacom Bulls can confirm the signing and return to Loftus Versfeld of Springbok flyhalf, Handre Pollard.

The double World Cup-winning Pollard returns home on an initial two year deal which begins on the 1st of July.

The former Junior Boks captain left South Africa for French Top14 side Montpellier where he dazzled to the attention of his next employer, English outfit Leicester Tigers whom he currently lends his services to.

Before leaving for Europe in 2019, the 30-year old had made 62 professional appearances in his six years in the capital 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,” says Pollard as he reflects on the opportunity to return to Loftus. He adds: “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 Vodacom 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 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.”

As his current club prepares for a big weekend ahead as their season nears its crescendo, a thankful Handre reassures its fanbase of his commitment to the end as he thanks them for taking him in.

“Leicester Tigers, I’m extremely proud to be and have been a part of this club and group. It was 3 of the most enjoyable seasons of my career, and I’ll be forever grateful to have been a Leicester Tiger. There is still a lot of rugby to be played, and I’m excited to end the season and my time at Leicester Tigers on a high.”

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 Vodacom 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 concludes by noting: “Pollard has invaluable experience, especially if you consider the average age of our group.”