Several clubs lining up for Springbok Handrè Pollard

Several clubs lining up for Springbok Handrè Pollard – Here’s who!

Springbok No. 10 Handre Pollard is attracting serious interest, while Eben Etzebeth suffers an injury setback.

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 21: Handre Pollard of South Africa kicks their side’s third and winning penalty during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Springbok marksman Handrè Pollard is due to leave Leicester Tigers at the end of the season, opening the door for a lucrative move.

According to reports, a handful of Japanese clubs are keen, but it’s Tokyo Sungoliath who is leading the race for the 30-year-old’s services, which would pair him with Springbok teammate Cheslin Kolbe.

Sungoliath, who sit third in Japan’s League One Conference B, have been interested in Pollard for months, first enquiring in October, but failed to land the double World Cup winner.

Springbok’s future up in the air

“I have no idea,” Pollard replied to BBC Radio Leicester in December when asked where he will play next season.

“I can tell you the truth, I do not know yet what I’m doing or where I’m going. I’m just happy being at Leicester and I will enjoy every minute I have here,

“I’m really enjoying playing and all the boys, everyone, is enjoying it, 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.”

Etzebeth injury news

Springbok veteran Eben Etzebeth was forced off the pitch on December 7 after sustaining a concussion against Exeter Chiefs in the European Champions Cup – the 33-year-old is yet to return to action.

“[Etzebeth has] suffered a return of symptoms of his recent concussion,” reported a Sharks spokesperson.

“The Sharks take this injury seriously, and player welfare remains our priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are satisfied his injury has completely resolved.”