Pollard bids SA adieu as Steyn returns

Amidst an ever-growing flow of top talent departing Loftus Versfeld, there will be an exciting return for one of their greatest players, with two-time Super Rugby winner Morne Steyn returning to the fold.

However, the Bulls confirmed yesterday that the Springboks’ current No 10, Handre Pollard, will be leaving to take up a contract worth millions of euro with Montpellier in France.

Steyn left the Bulls to join Stade Francais in 2013, having played 124 matches and scored 1 449 points, second only to Dan Carter in terms of the most by a player in Super Rugby.

Although he is 34 years old, Steyn is still shining at the top levels of French rugby, although he has moved to fullback to accommodate French flyhalf Jules Plisson and Argentine star Nicolas Sanchez.

Steyn’s experience and unflappable temperament will be of huge value to a side that will be rebuilding, much as Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Brits have done for the Bulls this year.

“It is great for us, Morne is a very experienced player who can still play at the highest levels.

“He knows the culture and passion of the Bulls and will, no doubt, contribute massively, not only on the field, but also off it.

“We are very pleased to have him back in the Bull kraal,” chief executive Alfons Meyer said.

“Handre has also been a true servant for us for six years.

“He has been an outstanding asset, not only to the teams he played for, but also our supporters, to whom he endeared himself from early on with his attitude towards the Bulls.

“He will be missed, for sure, but we cannot fault his decision to continue his career in France. We wish him well.”