Handre Pollard Undecided on Leicester Future, Praises Coach Cheika

Two-time World Cup champion Handre Pollard has indicated uncertainty regarding his long-term future at Leicester, though he expressed satisfaction playing under Tigers coach Michael Cheika. The 30-year-old South Africa fly-half has been linked with a potential departure from the East Midlands next summer, when his current contract is reportedly scheduled to conclude. When asked by BBC Radio Leicester about his future plans, the playmaker responded: “I have no idea.” “I can tell you the truth, I do not know yet what I’m doing or where I’m going. I’m just happy being at Leicester and I will enjoy every minute I have here.” However, Pollard hopes to “get it sorted in the near future.” He added: “I’m sure my agent is having discussions, but it’s nothing with me. I’m not involved in those yet, but we’ll see.” Pollard, who contributed to South Africa’s World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, has been with the Tigers since 2022. He joined the club from French side Montpellier just months after Leicester secured the latest of their 11 Premiership titles. Pollard has made 37 appearances across all competitions for the Tigers to date, with four of those occurring this season under Michael Cheika, the former coach of Australia and Argentina. He commended the Australian, who took over on a year-long contract in the summer, for fostering a “positive environment” during his initial months at the helm. Pollard stated: “I’m really enjoying playing and all the boys, everyone, is enjoying it. And you can’t underestimate how important that is.” “We have to play hard and be on it every week, but the enjoyment element of it is so important in a rugby group in a long season like we have these days. That brings the best out of everybody.”