Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard, a double Rugby World Cup winner, celebrates his 31st birthday today, marking an incredible career filled with historic achievements.
With 772 points in 80 Tests, Pollard has been a crucial figure in South African rugby, delivering match-winning performances on the world stage.
World Cup Glory and Iconic Performances
Pollard was the leading point-scorer at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, amassing 69 points, including a dominant 22-point haul in the final against England.
While initially left out of the 2023 World Cup squad, he was called up as an injury replacement during the pool stage. He made an immediate impact, slotting a late match-winning penalty in the semi-final against England before scoring all 12 of South Africa’s points in the final against New Zealand, securing back-to-back world titles. Remarkably, he finished the tournament with a 100% goal-kicking record.
More Historic Moments in Green and Gold
Pollard played a crucial role in the Springboks’ 2021 series victory over the British & Irish Lions and was instrumental in the 2024 Test season, which saw the Boks defeat the All Blacks twice and claim the Rugby Championship.
His early career was just as impressive. He won the U20 World Championship with South Africa in 2012, kicking 15 points in the final against New Zealand. Two years later, he captained the Junior Boks and was named World Rugby Junior Player of the Year.
Club Career and Return to South Africa
Pollard began his professional career with the Bulls, earning 59 Super Rugby caps before moving to Europe, where he played for Montpellier in France and later Leicester Tigers in England.
Now, he is set to return to Pretoria, having signed a two-year deal with the Bulls, bringing his experience and leadership back to South African rugby.
As Pollard turns 31, his legacy as one of the Springboks’ greatest flyhalves is already cemented, and South African fans will be eager to see what he achieves next.
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