Pollard to run with the Bulls

The Blue Bulls have won the race to sign Baby Boks flyhalf Handrè Pollard after a two-year chase for his signature.

Pollard became one of the hottest new properties in South African rugby following his superb performance in the Junior World Championships (JWC), helping to guide the Baby Boks to the title.

The 18-year-old Paarl Gymnasium scholar will join the Bulls at the end of the year, where he will link up with SA Under-20 teammates Jan Serfontein, William Small-Smith, Shaun Adendorff, Tony Jantjies, Jason Thomas, Marvin Orie, Abrie Griesel and Travis Ismaiel.

Pollard was one of the stand-out players for South Africa in the JWC, scoring 42 points which included keeping a cool head to kick 12 points in the final.

It was originally reported that there was a three-way race to sign the talented pivot with the Sharks and Western Province also challenging for his signature, but it is the Bulls who have added another star to their ranks.

Blue Bulls CEO Barend van Graan explained that the Bulls have been interested in the youngster for the last two years.

"We encouraged, through our scouting process, a possible move to the Blue Bulls after his school studies way back in 2010, when Handrè played in the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 players," Van Graan said.

"What impressed us then was his cool head under pressure and the maturity of his general play and decision making. His performance during the JWC confirmed that potential and we are excited to have him in our structures later this year."