Handre Pollard, the celebrated Springbok flyhalf and 2019 Rugby World Cup champion, is leaving Leicester Tigers at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old player, who joined the English club in 2022 with a lucrative contract worth R14 million per year, will be returning to South Africa to rejoin his former team, the Bulls, where his rugby career began.
A Bitter Farewell for Leicester Tigers Fans
The announcement came on March 1, with Leicester Tigers officially confirming Pollard’s exit and the Bulls welcoming him back to Loftus.
While South African rugby fans are celebrating the return of a homegrown talent, UK-based supporters of Leicester Tigers are expressing their sadness and disappointment over the news.
On Leicester Tigers’ official post, fans were vocal about their feelings of loss and frustration.
Many suggested that the club had made a poor decision, possibly losing one of its most valuable players.
One fan commented, “Devastating to lose such an amazing player,” while another said, “Think my season ticket may return to the Leicester Tigers.” Another user added, “Another poor Tigers decision.
We will start to hemorrhage players if we don’t get stability and quality in the coaching.”
Pollard’s Time at Leicester Tigers and His Decision to Return Home
Pollard’s move to Leicester in 2022 marked a significant chapter in his career.
Having previously played for the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan and Montpellier in France, he took on a new challenge in the Premiership, becoming one of South Africa’s highest-paid rugby players.
But after two years in England, Pollard made the difficult decision to return to his roots.
In a heartfelt statement, he explained the decision as a bittersweet one, reflecting on his love for the club and his teammates.
“It was a hard decision to make. To leave Leicester Tigers because I love this club and being a part of this group,” Pollard shared.
He continued, “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.”
Despite the emotional nature of his departure, Pollard assured fans that he was fully committed to finishing his time at Leicester Tigers on a high note.
Pollard’s Legacy and What’s Next
As the departure of Pollard marks the end of a chapter for both the player and Leicester Tigers, questions about the future of the club and its direction are sure to be raised.
Fans are left wondering what lies ahead for the team without one of its star players, while Pollard looks forward to reuniting with the Bulls and returning to his rugby roots.
What do you think of Pollard’s decision to return to South Africa? Leave a comment below or share your thoughts with us on WhatsApp.
For more updates on Handre Pollard’s career and Leicester Tigers, stay tuned to The South African.