Charles Esther
Springbok fly-half Handré Pollard is preparing for a poignant rugby milestone as he readies himself to play his final game for Leicester Tigers next weekend. The match marks the end of his European chapter and the start of a new journey back in South Africa with the Bulls — the team where it all began.
Final Appearance for Leicester Tigers at Twickenham
Pollard is set to play his last game in Leicester Tigers colors on Saturday, 14 June, when his side takes on Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership final at Twickenham. The fixture could be a fairytale ending for the 31-year-old, who will be eager to lift one last trophy before departing English rugby.
The occasion follows an emotional send-off at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, where Pollard played his final home game for the Tigers this past weekend. A win in the Premiership final would not only be a fitting conclusion to his stint in the UK but also a perfect springboard as he transitions back to South African rugby.
Simultaneous Silverware Dreams for Club and Country
In a remarkable twist, Pollard’s final outing for Leicester will coincide with his future club’s biggest game of the season. On the same day, the Bulls will face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) Grand Final, chasing their own shot at glory.
Although he won’t feature in the Bulls’ final due to contractual obligations, Pollard will soon rejoin the Pretoria-based franchise where he launched his professional career. He will arrive as a seasoned international, World Cup winner, and one of South Africa’s most accomplished fly-halves.
A New Chapter in Pretoria for the Pollard Family
Pollard’s move comes at a significant moment personally as well. He will return to South Africa with his wife Marise — who is currently pregnant — and their son. The family is expected to settle in Pretoria, signaling not only a rugby homecoming but a fresh start for the Pollards.
His return is widely welcomed by Bulls fans and South African rugby enthusiasts, with expectations high that his presence will further elevate the team’s ambitions in both domestic and international competitions.
Will Handré Pollard Take a Pay Cut at the Bulls?
Pollard made headlines in 2022 when he signed a deal with Leicester Tigers reportedly worth R14 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid South African players in the world. With his return to the Bulls, many have wondered whether the star fly-half will face a significant salary downgrade.
However, according to reports from Planet Rugby, that’s unlikely.
Pollard is expected to remain in the top salary bracket, similar to other elite Springboks like Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Siya Kolisi. Although the Bulls themselves may not foot his full bill, his income will be supported by SA Rugby’s Player of National Interest (PONI) contracts — strategic agreements designed to keep top-tier talent within South African borders while offering competitive earnings.
Sources suggest that Pollard will earn two to three times more than the average Springbok, placing his salary in the realm of R10–14 million annually, even upon returning home.
A Homecoming with High Expectations
Pollard’s return to the Bulls is not just symbolic — it is strategic. He arrives as a World Cup-winning general with years of experience at the highest level. His leadership, tactical kicking, and composure under pressure are assets that the Bulls will be eager to tap into.
As he gears up for his final game in a Leicester Tigers jersey, Pollard will no doubt reflect on a successful international chapter, all while looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that await him back in South Africa.
If everything goes according to plan, the 14th of June could mark a double celebration — a final title in England and a future built on familiar South African soil.
