CEO Edgar Rathbone says the Vodacom Bulls have estimated how many games returning Springbok star Handre Pollard will play for the Pretoria outfit per season.

The Bulls confirmed earlier this month that the two-time World Cup winner had signed a two-year contract which starts on 1 July.

Speaking with Netwerk24, Rathbone confirmed that Pollard is expected to feature in at least 15 matches per season for the Herd, across the Vodacom URC and EPCR competitions, leading up to the next World Cup in 2027.

“We realise that part of his contract is in a World Cup year and that Handre will not be on the field the whole time,” he said. “It’s a difficult sum to make because you can’t factor in injuries.

“We believe he will be able to play a minimum of 15 games per season for the team in the United Rugby Championship and the European competition.”

Pollard, who turned 31 on Tuesday, will rejoin the Bulls after an impressive spell with English club Leicester Tigers, and despite strong links to a move to Japan.

He played 72 matches for the Bulls across all competitions from 2013 to 2019, before joining French Top 14 club Montpellier. He has spent the last three seasons at Leicester Tigers.

“It’s a vote of confidence in the team where it all began for him,” said Rathbone. “He became a Springbok here and made a deep impression at Loftus.”

Rathbone also explained that Pollard’s salary was made possible by a substantial PONI (Player of National Interest) contribution from SA Rugby and sponsorships negotiated by his agent.

“He will still earn less than in Japan or France, but this was not purely a financial decision for him and his family,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rathbone confirmed the Bulls have loaned utility back Henry Immelman to the Sharks for the remainder of the URC season.

Immelman, who previously played for Montpellier and Edinburgh, debuted for the Sharks against the Lions last week and will return to Pretoria for the Currie Cup.