Handre Pollard, the seasoned fly-half of Leicester Tigers, is embarking on a remarkable journey back to his roots in South Africa. Despite two World Cup victories under his belt with the Springboks, Pollard never envisioned the possibility of returning home. However, recent developments in European rugby have paved the way for his reunion with Bulls, where his professional career first took flight in 2013.
The 31-year-old star player made a name for himself in Pretoria before spreading his wings to France with Montpellier in 2019. It was a bold move that led him away from familiar grounds and into uncharted territories. As fate would have it, the landscape of rugby shifted when South African teams integrated into the United Rugby Championship (URC), aligning them with European heavyweights in prestigious competitions like the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Pollard shared his disbelief at the unfolding opportunities during an interview with BBC Radio Leicester.
“Just being able to go back home is something I actually didn’t think was possible,”
he confessed. The prospect of donning the Bulls jersey once again and reuniting with family tugged at his heartstrings, signaling a bittersweet departure from Leicester Tigers.
Amidst his international triumphs, including instrumental roles in South Africa’s World Cup victories of 2019 and 2023, Pollard’s time at Leicester has been devoid of silverware so far. Despite this, he remains optimistic about finishing strong with Tigers as they gear up for crucial league and European fixtures. Their upcoming clash against Glasgow Warriors in the European Champions Cup promises high-stakes action and a chance for Pollard to leave a lasting impact before bidding adieu to Leicester.
As he prepares to bid farewell to a city that captured his heart, Pollard expressed gratitude for the profound experiences he gained abroad.
“I’ve had the most amazing time abroad…it’s been an unbelievable experience and I’ll miss it one day,”
he mused reflectively. With a few significant games left on the horizon, Pollard is focused on making every moment count as he navigates through this transitional phase of his illustrious career.
In the ever-evolving world of rugby union, Handre Pollard’s narrative stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion for the sport. His return journey to South Africa symbolizes not just a geographical shift but also a poignant homecoming filled with nostalgia and aspirations for new beginnings.
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