Statement: Leicester Tigers confirm the departure of star player and fan favourite

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Leicester Tigers are saying goodbye to one of their biggest stars, as South Africa fly-half Handré Pollard will leave the club at the end of the season to rejoin the Bulls.

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The two-time Rugby World Cup winner signed for the Premiership giants in 2022 and has been a key figure ever since, racking up 45 appearances and 395 points. But now, he’s heading back to where it all began.

“It was a hard decision”

At 30, Pollard admits that the pull of home – and a return to the Bulls, where he first made his mark in 2014 – was simply too strong.

"It was a hard decision to leave Leicester Tigers because I love this club and being part of this group," Pollard said.

"After a lot of thought, the opportunity to go home to South Africa after six years in Europe and return to the club where I began my career was one I felt was right for me and my family."

That doesn't mean he's checked out just yet. Pollard made it clear he's still got unfinished business at Welford Road.

"There is a lot of rugby to be played and a lot of time left for me at Leicester Tigers, which I am focused on finishing successfully."

A career of silverware and success

Pollard burst onto the scene with the Bulls in 2014 before a short stint in Japan with NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in 2015. A move to French giants Montpellier followed in 2019, where he continued to cement his reputation as one of the world's best playmakers.

Of course, his biggest moments came on the international stage. He was pivotal in South Africa's 2019 World Cup triumph, where they steamrolled England in the final, and again in 2023, when he coolly slotted all of the Boks' points in a tense 12-11 win over New Zealand.

Now, he’s heading back to South Africa – and the Bulls are getting a world-class No.10 ready to light up Pretoria once again.

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Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies picks his greatest all-time British & Irish Lions XV

Dual-code rugby legend Jonathan Davies has undertaken the formidable task of selecting his ultimate British & Irish Lions XV for his new book, The Greatest Lions XV Ever, co-authored with Alun Wyn Bevan and published by Gomer Press.

All-Time Lions Dream Team

Fullback: JPR Williams (Wales)

John Peter Rhys “JPR” Williams was a cornerstone of Welsh rugby during the 1970s. Known for his fearless defense and counter-attacking prowess, he earned 55 caps for Wales and participated in eight Tests for the Lions. His iconic playing style, characterized by low socks and distinctive sideburns, left an indelible mark on the sport.

Jiffy said: “In attack, JPR was to be seen either working in tandem with his wing three-quarters or terrifying defensive lines. He was also a towering figure in defence, safe as houses under a high ball and with a penchant for demolishing attackers.”

Wing: Gerald Davies (Wales)

Thomas Gerald Reames Davies, celebrated for his electrifying speed and sidestep, was instrumental in Wales’ dominance during the 1970s. Earning 46 caps for Wales and five for the Lions, his agility and tactical acumen made him a formidable opponent.

Jiffy said: “I have so many fond memories of seeing him taking on opponents—often with a swagger which very few have the right to exhibit. He wove, he probed, he varied his angles of running and was always in position to counter-attack from deep in tandem with his full-back.”

Centre: Jeremy Guscott (England)

Jeremy Guscott was renowned for his elegance and composure on the field. With 65 caps for England and eight for the Lions, his intuitive play and versatility made him a central figure in the backline.

Jiffy said: “Jerry restored fans' faith in the aesthetic and artistic qualities of the game. I always appreciated his effortless style. Opponents were unable to predict whether he was going to run, pass or kick. Everything he did was instinctive, and this made him a very difficult player to read.”

Centre: Mike Gibson (Ireland)

Michael Gibson, a stalwart of Irish rugby, was celebrated for his versatility and footballing intelligence. Accumulating 69 caps for Ireland and 12 for the Lions, his adaptability allowed him to excel in multiple backline positions.

Jiffy said: “Mike Gibson was the complete footballer, 'phenomenal' according to The New Zealand Rugby Annual. In an interview, Brian O'Driscoll paid a sincere tribute to one of Irish rugby's greatest ever players: 'At times when Irish rugby wasn't successful, he was always the shining light.'”

Wing: JJ Williams (Wales)

John James “JJ” Williams, with his background as a sprinter, brought exceptional pace to the rugby field. Earning 30 caps for Wales and seven for the Lions, his try-scoring ability was pivotal in many crucial matches.

Jiffy said: “His combination of electrifying speed and breathtaking audacity disarmed organised defences on the Lions tour of South Africa in 1974.”

Fly-half: Barry John (Wales)

Barry John, dubbed “The King,” was celebrated for his tactical brilliance and composure under pressure. With 25 caps for Wales and five for the Lions, his performance on the 1971 New Zealand tour solidified his legendary status.

Jiffy said: “Who is it to be, Phil or Barry? Roy of the Rovers or The King? My heart says Phil. My head says Barry. And, ultimately, it is with my head that I have to pick this team. For what he achieved in New Zealand in 1971, Barry John will wear the No 10 shirt.”

Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)

Gareth Edwards is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. With 53 caps for Wales and 10 for the Lions, his dynamic play and leadership were instrumental in his teams’ successes.

Jiffy said: “If you put on the field the 15 best players to have played in the distinctive Lions red, the No 9 shirt would automatically be handed to Gareth Owen Edwards.”

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