AWSUMCelebrity Interview
Handré Pollard 22-year-old rugby star Handré Pollard is the new Bulls captain and has recently led the team to a 28–7 victory over Chiefs in a pre-season match. He started his senior career with the Blue Bulls as a 19-year-old. He made his Springbok debut on 28 June 2014 (against Scotland in the incoming tour series) and has 20 caps for the Springboks. He was a key contributor to South Africa’s resurgence from their shock defeat against Japan at the 2015 Rugby World Cup to reaching the semi-final against the All Blacks. He has scored 188 points in his short international career so far.
Q: Describe the experience to play against Paarl Boys’ High in the biggest Interschools match in the world. What is the exceptional relationship between the schools that makes this clash so special? A: It is always difficult to describe … it is something one cannot explain to people who were not at one of those schools. It is incredibly competitive, but very good friendships are also formed. The town (Paarl) is divided into two for that week and all academic responsibilities are pushed aside. Q: What was it like to play in a World Cup tournament? A: It was truly a dream come true! To play in a test for the Boks is already amazing, but to represent your country in the World Cup is something completely else. Even though we just came short, it was the proudest moment of my life. I hope I get such an opportunity again. Q: What is the best part of being a professional rugby player? A: The friendships and bonds that are formed. Everyone plays for different reasons. I play to provide for my family one day, yes, but also for the friendships and the feeling in the locker room after a win. Q: What is less pleasant about your career, apart from injuries? A: We can only play for a limited time and must be able to live after rugby. The number of days away from home – yes, it is wonderful to be on tour and see the world, but time with family and friends is precious. Q: You were on the sideline for quite some time with injuries. How did you keep yourself busy? A: The rehab part of an injury takes much more time than people realise. Any rugby player will tell you that it is harder to come back from injury than what it is to play. But I played a lot of golf and spent time with friends and family. Q: As the new Super Rugby captain of the Bulls, how do you regard this challenge, especially in light of your relatively young age? A: I am young, but I’ve been playing senior rugby for quite a while and have a lot of experience. I will do my best to use everything I have learned up to now and that I will still learn this year to lead my team, and also to lead by example.
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Moregrove, Kabega, Lorraine, Verkenner, Westering, Mount Pleasant, Summerwood, Herbert Hurd. High Schools: Theodor Herzl, DF Malherbe, Framesby, Collegiate Girls’, Cillié, Andrew Rabie, Grey, Victoria Park.
AWSUM NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Q: How have you experienced the recent matches in Australia, where you played a Super Rugby warm-up game against Chiefs and also took part in the Brisbane Global Tens? A: There were many positives and also negatives, at which we will be hard at work to fix before the Stormers game. But on the whole it was a very good tour, and it was also good for the team spirit. Q: How do you feel about your chances in the upcoming Super Rugby tournament, starting for the Bulls against the Stormers in Cape Town on 25 February? A: I believe we have a very good chance, just like all the other teams. We participate to win the competition – anything else we will regard as unsuccessful. Q: How do you handle the fame and attention that come your way as a high profile player? A: Oh, there are pros and cons. One should always remember that you were young at one time and looked up to the Boks. As long as your support system with family and friends are in place, everything else is minor. Q: What are the goals that you would like to reach in your rugby career? A: At the moment, just to be back on the field and to do my best for the Bulls and hopefully to get back into the Bok squad. I will then again look at my goals. Q: What makes your heart beat faster when you are away from the rugby field?A: My My fiancée, Marise Malherbe! Q: What are your hobbies? Other sports you enjoy playing? A: I am crazy for golf – even though I can’t play often, I enjoy it a lot.
PHOTOGRAPH © Steve Haag
Q: You attended Paarl Gymnasium High School. What was the experience like to be at such a prestigious high school? How did it influence your rugby career? A: It was an incredible experience. I have learned to constantly play at the highest level of South African schools rugby and to handle the pressure.
Q: What is your wish for Springbok rugby? A: My wish is for the South African public to be behind the Boks. The past twelve months were not good, but we have incredible talent in the country and can be the best in the world again.
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