Springbok fly-half Handré Pollard is reportedly considering a return to Japan’s Rugby League One once his current contract with Leicester Tigers expires.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner joined Leicester in 2022, making 33 appearances for the Premiership club since his arrival.
As his contract nears its end at the conclusion of the season, speculation about Pollard’s future is intensifying. According to RugbyPass, Leicester Tigers are already exploring potential replacements for the South African star.
Pollard, who is believed to earn around £600,000 annually, may seek a move back to Japan, where he had a brief stint in 2016. A return to Rugby League One appears increasingly likely, as both Pollard and Leicester weigh their options.
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Potential Replacements for Pollard at Leicester Tigers
Sam Costelow: A Rising Star from Scarlets
RugbyPass reports that Leicester is preparing for Pollard’s potential exit, with Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow, a former Leicester player, among their shortlist of replacements. The 23-year-old has already earned 15 caps for Wales but faces a challenge under Gatland’s law, which requires players to have 25 caps for national selection while playing abroad. This means Costelow would need to secure 10 more caps before considering a return to Leicester if he hopes to continue representing Wales.
Dan Biggar: Veteran Fly-Half Approaching Retirement
Wales fly-half Dan Biggar, a seasoned veteran with three Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours under his belt, has hinted that retirement may be on the horizon. The 34-year-old boasts over 100 caps for Wales and three Six Nations titles. Speaking candidly in a recent interview promoting his autobiography, The Biggar Picture, Biggar acknowledged that there may be “not too much more to squeeze out” of his career.
Despite his retirement thoughts, Leicester could tempt him with a lucrative contract to prolong his playing days. However, this move could be contentious, as Biggar spent several seasons with Leicester’s fierce rivals, Northampton Saints.
Alex Lozowski: Versatile Player Seeking the Fly-Half Role
While primarily known for his time as a centre at Saracens, Alex Lozowski still aspires to don the number 10 jersey. The versatile England star joined Saracens from Wasps as a fly-half in 2016 and has since played in multiple positions, including centre and wing. The 31-year-old recently received his first international call-up in six years and is believed to be out of contract and available next summer, making him a potential option for Leicester.
Owen Farrell: A High-Profile Target for Premiership Clubs
Before Marcus Smith’s recent contract extension with Harlequins, both Bristol Bears and Leicester Tigers expressed interest in signing Owen Farrell. With Pollard likely to depart for Japan next summer, both clubs are positioning themselves to acquire a high-profile fly-half like Farrell.
However, both teams would have to wait until the end of the 2025/26 season to sign Farrell, as the former England captain has committed to a two-year deal with Racing 92. The next move for Owen Farrell remains a topic of speculation as Premiership clubs consider the possibility of the former Saracens star making a dramatic return to English rugby.
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JOE MARLER PICKS HIS RUGBY DREAM TEAM
FRONT-ROW
1. Jason Leonard (England)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
Marler on Leonard: “My Idol – I still pinch myself when I’m in his company. A juggernaut on the pitch and a legendary drinker and socialiser off it.”
SECOND-ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
