As the rugby season edges toward its thrilling finales, Handre Pollard is gearing up for what could be a very special—and possibly bittersweet—moment.

Next weekend marks his final appearance with Leicester Tigers before he heads back home to South Africa to join the Bulls.

It’s a big transition for the celebrated fly-half, and he’s hoping to finish this chapter on a high note.

A Double Title Showdown on June 14th

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. On Saturday, 14 June, Leicester Tigers will battle Sale Sharks for the Gallagher Premiership title.

At the same time, Pollard’s future team, the Bulls, will be fighting for their own glory in the URC Grand Final against Leinster.

For Handre, it’s a day packed with high stakes on both sides of the world.

Saying Goodbye at Welford Stadium and Beyond

Just this past weekend, Pollard played his final home game for Leicester Tigers at their iconic Mattioli Woods Welford Stadium.

Now, the Springbok star is set to make his last club appearance at Twickenham next weekend.

It’s a moment charged with emotion, as Pollard looks to help his team clinch the Premiership trophy one last time before closing this chapter of his UK career.

Returning to His Roots with the Bulls

Soon after that final Premiership clash, Pollard will return to his original professional home—the Bulls in Pretoria.

This isn’t just a career move; it’s a family affair. Handre, his pregnant wife Marise, and their young son are all set to settle back in South Africa, making Pretoria their new family base.

It’s a full-circle moment for the 31-year-old fly-half.

Will Handre’s Salary Take a Hit Back Home?

Back in 2022, Pollard signed a hefty contract with Leicester Tigers worth around R14 million a year, placing him among South Africa’s highest-paid rugby players.

Naturally, fans and pundits are wondering: Will his salary take a dip now that he’s heading back to the Bulls?

Reports from Planet Rugby suggest that while his pay might be lower than in the UK, it won’t be a massive downgrade.

In fact, Pollard is expected to earn between two and three times more than the average Springbok, which sits roughly around R7 million a year.

He’s likely to remain in the same salary bracket as other big-name South African stars like Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Siya Kolisi.

One key detail: Pollard’s earnings will come primarily from South African Rugby’s Player of National Interest (PONI) contracts rather than his club salary, which is an important factor in his pay structure.