‘Crying!’: Pollards pack up, ready to return home

Bittersweet goodbyes: Marise and Handre Pollard are ready to swap the UK’s Leicester Tigers for the Bulls in Pretoria…

It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Marise and Handre Pollard as they pack up their life in the UK, where the rugby star has played for Leicester Tigers for the past three years.

The Springbok fly-half will return to South Africa, where he will return to his home club of the Bulls, next month.

HANDRE POLLARD’S WIFE EMOTIONAL OVER SA RETURN

On her Instagram account, Marise Pollard – who is pregnant with her second child – revealed that she had attended her final Leicester Tigers game.

“My heart is heavy. Leicester Tigers is such a special club, and it’s been a massive privilege to be part of this family. Grateful is an understatement.”

In an Instagram Story, the rugby WAG revealed that she had been “crying” over the big move”

In another post, Marise – a qualified teacher – appeared more upbeat. “All packed and ready to move!” she captioned a happy snap.

WHEN WILL HE JOIN THE BULLS?

It’s not goodbye just yet for Leicester Tigers as Handre Pollard is expected to play in their Gallagher Premiership semi-final match against Sale Sharks on Saturday, 7 June.

Handre will rejoin his old club of the Bulls on 1 July.

In 2022, Handre signed a R14 million-a-year contract with the English club Leicester Tigers. This secured his spot as one of SA’s highest-paid rugby players.

But will he take a pay cut or earn the same at the Bulls?

According to Planet Rugby, the veteran player is likely to earn “two or three times more” than the average Springbok [around R7million a year].

He is expected to receive the same salary bracket as his club abroad and in the league of big-name Boks like Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, and Siya Kolisi.

Handre’s earnings will not come from the club but from the Player of National Interest (PONI) contracts that SA Rugby pays.

ARE YOU EXCITED FOR HANDRE POLLARD’S BULL RETURN?