Vodacom Bulls CEO Alfons Meyer has confirmed the departure of Handré Pollard to Montpellier and the signing of Morné Steyn from Stade Français.

Pollard was linked with a move to Montpiellier earlier in the week, while reports circulated that the Bulls could replace him with Steyn.

On Wednesday, Meyer confirmed both events, saying that while it is difficult to lose a player of Pollard’s calibre, he is excited by Steyn’s return.

The 25-year-old Pollard is believed to have signed a deal worth R20 million per season, while Steyn inked a two-year deal with the Bulls.

‘Losing Handré was just one of those things. We tried our best to keep him here, but there is no chance that we can compete with the lure of the euro and the pound,’ Meyer told Netwerk24.

‘Even Rassie Erasmus thinks bringing Steyn back is a good acquisition. With Handré going to France, it means Manie Libbok is the only flyhalf remaining in our group. Morné is very experienced and he can be a very good mentor for Manie.’

The news of Pollard’s exit means the Bulls will be without him, Jesse Kriel and Lood de Jager next year.

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