Pollard signs with Bulls
by Brenden Nel 02 July 2012, 17:04
In one of the worst kept secrets in SA Rugby, the Blue Bulls Company have confirmed they have signed SA under-20 flyhalf Handre Pollard to join the Vodacom Blue Bulls in 2012.
Pollard, who is still at school, starred in the Baby Boks recent IRB Junior World Championship victory over the All Blacks to take the crown and has been the subject of much unhappiness in Western Province ranks about his move.
There has been much work behind the scenes to try and get Pollard to stay, but the young star decided to opt for Pretoria after generous counter-offers by Western Province and the Sharks.
The 18 year old Paarl Gymnasium scholar scored 42 points during the IRB Junior World Championship 2012, including 12 points in the final, won 22-16 by South Africa.
According to the CEO of the Blue Bulls Company, Barend van Graan, Pollard has been on their radar for more than two years.
“We encouraged, through our scouting process, a possible move to the Blue Bulls after his school studies way back in 2010, when Handrè played in the Grant Khomo Week for Under Sixteen players. What impressed us then was his cool head under pressure and the maturity of his general play and decision making. His performance during the JWC confirmed that potential and we are excited to have him in our structures later this year,” Van Graan said.
Pollard joins a host of Baby Bok teammates that are already contracted to the Bulls next year, including IRB Junior World Championship Player of the year Jan Serfontein and fellow nominee Shaun Adendorff.
