Handre Pollard's big promise to Montpellier fans ahead of his debut

Handre Pollard is set to make his Montpellier debut this Saturday against Racing in Paris after recovering from the fractured cheekbone injury suffered in the World Cup final win over England.

The South African talisman signed for the French club for three years and has told media ahead of his first outing that he wants to deliver Top 14 title success during his stay after tasting World Cup glory with the Springboks. 

“For an international player, it’s always a goal to win a title for his country, especially a World Cup,” he told Rugbyrama. 

“When I started with the Springboks, that was my goal. Now it is a thing of the past. It’s a memory that will stay with me for life and also gives me confidence because we have been successful at the highest level. Now the most important thing for me is the future and winning a title with Montpellier.

“The most important thing for me is not my personal case but the team. I repeat: I want to try to win trophies. I’m going to give my best and for that, I have to immerse myself in another culture. It’s up to me to adapt.

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“The most important thing is what the coach and the team want from me. I will try to integrate myself as quickly as possible and bring the maximum. It may take some time, but I hope it goes well this weekend.”

Pollard’s need for treatment following the World Cup meant he missed the Springboks’ five-day trophy parade across South Africa.

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He could have debuted last weekend against Toulouse in the Champions Cup, but Montpellier decided to keep him under wraps for a further week. 

Currently fourth in the league, the club are still chasing their first-ever title having lost the 2018 final to Castres in Paris.

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