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Handre ‘Nerves of Steel’ Pollard joins Jabula Bets as ambassador

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 4 hours ago

Ralph Staniforth 4 hours ago

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Handre Pollard, celebrated South African rugby flyhalf, becomes brand ambassador for Jabula Bets.
Pollard's reputation for composure and success enhances Jabula Bets' sports credibility.
Pollard's clutch performances in Rugby World Cups highlight his capacity to deliver under pressure.

Handre Pollard vs England 2023 Rugby World Cup

Handre Pollard lands the winning kick against England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup (Getty Images)

South Africa Rugby World Cup hero Handre Pollard has joined one of the country’s newer bookmakers, Jabula Bets, as a brand ambassador, with the partnership announced earlier this month (March 2026).

The addition of Handre Pollard, one of South Africa’s most respected rugby figures, marks a major signing for Jabula Bets, with the bookmaker securing the backing of a player synonymous with composure under pressure on the biggest stage.

Who is Handre Pollard?

In South Africa, and indeed across the globe - at least in rugby circles - this question needs little answering. Pollard was destined for greatness from a very young age. He attended Paarl Gimnasium, one of South Africa’s great rugby schools, and represented the Junior Springboks (South Africa U20) between 2012 and 2014, leading the side to a World Rugby U20 Championship title along the way.

He later moved from Western Province to the Bulls in Pretoria early in his professional career and, in 2014, under then Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, made his Springbok debut.

The 32-year-old burst onto the scene as an exciting flyhalf - a strong runner, composed playmaker and formidable defender. By the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Pollard had established himself as the Springboks’ first-choice No.10, though that tournament delivered his first major rugby heartbreak when South Africa lost 20-18 to New Zealand in the semi-final.

In hindsight, that narrow defeat may well have shaped the player Pollard would become. Today he is widely regarded as one of the most reliable pressure flyhalves in world rugby, largely due to his performances at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.

At club level, Pollard is now back with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld after successful spells in Europe with Montpellier - where he won the Top 14 title - and Leicester Tigers, who reached the Premiership final in 2025.

Pollard is rightly considered a veteran of the game, but at 32 he still appears to have several seasons left at the highest level, barring serious injury.

Known as “Mr Cool,” Pollard has often faced criticism for his pragmatic style of play, but it is precisely that approach that has defined his success. Experience has taught him that big moments are rarely won by flashes of brilliance alone, but by composure and consistency.

The World Cup moments that defined Pollard

During the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks were not among the pre-tournament favourites, Pollard repeatedly delivered under pressure - particularly with the boot. He scored 22 points in the final against England, playing a decisive role in securing South Africa’s third World Cup title.

Pollard’s reputation for clutch goal-kicking has made him one of the most trusted figures in world rugby - the kind of player whose name often features prominently in match previews and betting conversations whenever the Springboks take the field.

But if that tournament cemented Pollard’s reputation, the 2023 Rugby World Cup elevated it even further.

Pollard initially missed the squad due to injury, only to be called into the Springbok camp later in the tournament as a replacement. What followed became one of the most memorable comeback stories in recent Springbok history.

Against France in the quarter-final, Pollard came off the bench before calmly slotting a pressure penalty from over 50 metres to help send South Africa into the semi-final.

A week later, in the semi-final against England, he again stepped up in the closing stages, kicking the decisive long-range penalty that secured another famous one-point victory.

Pollard would finish the tournament with a perfect goal-kicking record in the knockout rounds, guiding South Africa to a record fourth Rugby World Cup title.

It was the kind of composure under pressure that earned him the nickname “Nerves of Steel.”

Return to South Africa

The 85-capped Springbok flyhalf is now back on home soil, enjoying his rugby once again at Loftus Versfeld.

Pollard is quiet by nature, meeting criticism in much the same way he receives praise - calmly and without fuss.

A family man at heart, he has always gone about his business without drawing unnecessary attention. But when the pressure moments arrive, Pollard has built a career on delivering when it matters most.

Why bookmakers partner with elite athletes

Partnerships between bookmakers and elite athletes have become increasingly common in modern sport. Players with strong reputations for professionalism, consistency and high-performance bring credibility to betting brands, while also helping connect sportsbooks with passionate sports audiences.

For a brand like Jabula Bets, aligning with a two-time Rugby World Cup winner such as Pollard reflects a strategy of associating the platform with elite sporting performance and memorable moments on the field.

The Future

Pollard has now played in three Rugby World Cups, and barring injury, looks well placed to feature at the 2027 tournament in Australia.

Should his body hold up, a fifth World Cup in 2031 is not entirely out of the question for one of South Africa’s most dependable flyhalves.

For now, Pollard continues to lead from the front for both the Bulls and the Springboks - and with his new partnership with Jabula Bets, the two-time World Cup winner brings the same calm authority and winning mentality to the bookmaker’s brand.

If history is anything to go by, backing a man known for delivering in rugby’s biggest moments may prove to be a very smart signing for Jabula Bets.