Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Rugby - Pollard hops back across ocean to rejoin Bulls

PRETORIA (Reuters) - Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard rejoined the Bulls in New Zealand on Tuesday ahead of their Super Rugby meeting with the Otago Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

Rugby - Pollard hops back across ocean to rejoin Bulls
(Reuters)

The game is the last of a four-match tour through Australia and New Zealand. Pollard went home following the first -- a much-needed win over the Melbourne Reds -- after suffering a calf injury in training.

He missed the subsequent defeat by the ACT Brumbies in Canberra and last Friday's draw with the Auckland Blues, which revived the Bulls' hope of a playoff place.

Coach Pote Human called Pollard the best stand-off in world rugby and will be counting on his return to give the side a lift amid injury woes.

The Bulls have already lost Duane Vermuelen, who went back to South Africa after the first two matches of the trip in terms of an agreement with SA Rugby to rest him with the World Cup in Japan approaching.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Both Rosko Specman and Paul Schoeman have been ruled out, while there is also concern about Warrick Gelant's availability for the match.

Specman sustained a hamstring strain and Schoeman suffered a knee injury in the 22-22 draw last weekend in Auckland.

Both players have returned to South Africa. Fullback Gelant has a hamstring strain, and his availability will be confirmed this week.

The Bulls are third in Super Rugby's South African Conference, seven points off leaders Jaguares, with two matches left in their regular season programme.

Their New Zealand hosts are also still in the running for a wildcard place in the playoffs.

(Reporting by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Christian Radnedge)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world