Leicester Tigers fans in the UK have reacted to the club’s announcement of Handre Pollard’s exit after his contract comes to an end. The famous flyhalf – a double-winning Rugby World Cup Springbok champion – will return to South Africa to his former home at the Bulls, where he kicked off his career years ago.
The 30-year-old joined the English club in 2022 under a R14 million a year contract, making him one of SA’s highest-paid rugby players.
LEICESTER TIGERS FANS SADDENED BY HANDRE POLLARD NEWS
On Saturday, 1 March, Leicester Tigers announced the news of Handre Pollard’s exit at the end of the season. Simultaneously, the Bulls also announced the return of the Number 10 player to his home at Loftus.
But while South African rugby fans are over the moon at the news, UK supporters have expressed their sadness and disappointment.
Under an official post by Leicester Tigers, fans claimed that the club had suffered a great loss and possibly made a wrong move.
@shanna.louise83: “Devastating to lose such an amazing player.”
@stevenjamsfarmer: “Think my season ticket may return to the Leicester Tigers.”
@chriscrumbbennett: “Another poor Tigers decision. We will start to hemorrhage players if we don’t get stability and quality in the coaching.
In 2022, the Springbok signed with Leicester Tigers on a R14 million a year contract.
Pollard has previously played abroad for the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan and Montpellier in France.
‘A HARD DECISION’
Handre Pollard has previously claimed that it was his dream to play rugby in England.
In a statement, he revealed that the move home was a bittersweet one.
He said: “It was a hard decision to make. To leave Leicester Tigers because I love this club and being a part of this group.”
handre pollard, leicester tigers
Handre Pollard will be leaving Leicester Tigers for his home at the Bulls.
Images via TikTok: Premiership Rugby
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.
Pollard stated that he was committed to “finishing successfully” during his final few months at the club.