South African · Vereeniging, South Africa · Born 11 March 1994Handré Pollard is a Springbok fly-half who has been the difference-maker in two Rugby World Cup triumphs, including kicking all his side's points in the 2023 final.
Handré Pollard was born on 11 March 1994 in Somerset West, South Africa, and attended Paarl Gimnasium, earning selection for South African Schools while still a teenager. He captained the Junior Springboks to victory at the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship, kicking the decisive points in the final, before moving to the University of Pretoria and making his provincial debut for the Blue Bulls. Pollard made his senior Springbok debut in 2014, contributing 13 points in a dominant win over Scotland, and was thrust into the starting fly-half role at the 2015 World Cup, finishing as the tournament's top points scorer with 93 as South Africa reached the semi-finals. His reliable goal-kicking and game management made him a central figure in the national team's attacking structure. Pollard played club rugby in Japan, France with Montpellier, and England with Leicester Tigers, while remaining South Africa's first-choice fly-half through the country's Rugby World Cup triumphs in both 2019 and 2023 — a rare feat of sustained excellence across two title-winning campaigns separated by four years. Pollard returned to South African rugby with the Bulls in 2025, having earned over 60 caps for the Springboks, and remains one of the most decorated fly-halves in the modern international game.
Springbok fly-half, match-winner in two World Cup finals
How They Played
Pollard is an accomplished fly-half known for his exceptional goal-kicking ability and tactical game management. He possesses a powerful boot that allows him to slot penalties and conversions from long range, while also providing excellent territory with his clearance kicks. His calm temperament under pressure and ability to control the tempo of matches makes him an invaluable orchestrator of South Africa's attacking play.
Lasting Impact
Pollard is regarded as one of the finest goal-kickers in modern rugby and has been instrumental in South Africa's return to dominance on the world stage.
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup winner 2019, 2023
- top points scorer RWC 2019
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormers | 2012–2013 | 4 | 28 | #10 |
| Lions | 2013–2017 | 104 | 28 | #10 |
| Montpellier | 2017–2021 | 62 | — | — |
| Leicester Tigers | 2021–2024 | 45 | — | — |
 South Africa | — | 73 | — | — |
South African Athletes