World renowned for his reputation as a clutch goal-kicker on the biggest stage, Handre Pollard’s contribution as a playmaker is what has quickly installed the Springbok veteran as the heartbeat of Leicester Tigers’ backline, and a star attraction in the Investec Champions Cup.
Pollard arrived at Welford Road in 2022 with more than just world-class credentials. His journey to Leicester via the Vodacom Bulls, Japan’s Red Hurricanes and Montpellier had been hampered by injury, but the Tigers is where he has produced arguably his best club performances to date.
Pollard was pivotal to South Africa’s title defence at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, parachuting into the Toulon-based team after initially missing the cut for the Bok squad. He slotted in as though he’d never been away, thanks in large part to the Tigers facilitating his commitment to stay in peak condition and top form.
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He has quickly become integral to director of rugby Michael Cheika’s project in the East Midlands, blending kicking prowess with attacking flair to reshape the perception of his playing style.
A perfunctory look at the statistics reveal Pollard’s impact since joining Leicester from Montpellier in 2022. In his debut season with the English Premiership club, the veteran playmaker scored four tries, kicked 32 conversions and 20 penalties for 144 points in 14 matches – this after making just 29 appearances, and notching 175 points, for Montpellier between 2019 and 2022.
Pollard took his play to the next level during the 2023-24 campaign with Tigers, with 152 points across 19 appearances, including two tries to go with precision goal-kicking.
A 20-point display for Leicester against the DHL Stormers in last season’s Investec Champions Cup showcased his composure and aptitude on the continental stage.
Under Cheika’s guidance, Pollard’s game has shifted from a kick-centric approach to something that better balances distribution and taking the ball to the line. His versatility as a traditional No 10 and a creative inside centre has been instrumental in Leicester climbing into third in the Prem.
Pollard has this season scored one try, and kicked nine conversions and six penalties (41 points) for Tigers, and was not deployed in last week’s 42-28 reverse at Bordeaux.
“I’m really enjoying playing, and everyone is enjoying it,” Pollard said. “And you can’t underestimate how important that is.
“We have to play hard and be on it every week, but the enjoyment element of it is so important in a rugby group in a long season like we have these days.”
Pollard’s insider knowledge of fellow Springbok world champions such as Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, who will likely line up on the opposite end of Welford Road this week, is a massive asset for Leicester.
The seasoned campaigner is set to also measure himself against at least one of emerging Sharks pivots Siya Masuku and Jordan Hendrikse, the latter ending the 2024 Test season in the Springbok No 10 jersey against Wales in Cardiff.
Pollard is relishing the opportunity to face his compatriots, while lauding the growth of Hendrikse as a key player for the Sharks.
“Jordan’s got a great head on his shoulders, he’s got a bit of everything, really,” said Pollard. “He’s got a great future ahead of him.
“We all try to get the best out of each other (at the Springboks). We like playing against each other and we always go extra hard when we do.
“You want to measure yourself against the best in the world, and that is what they are.”
Photo: @LeicesterTigers/Twitter
