Handré Pollard, the seasoned Springbok flyhalf, has recently shared insights into the relentless demands of a nearly year-round rugby schedule. As one of the many South African players who are active almost every month, Pollard’s comments shed light on the physical and mental endurance required by athletes at the highest level. South Africa remains unique in its participation across both hemispheres, engaging its players in European league and cup competitions, alongside the Rugby Championship, which will see a hiatus in 2026 due to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
World Rugby has recognized the unsustainable nature of this schedule and is contemplating a global calendar to alleviate the strain on players. Pollard, back at Loftus Versfeld since 2025 after a stint overseas, has had to adjust to the continuous grind. “It’s tough,” he confessed. “You’ve got to plan your life, physically, mentally and on a personal level, to make sure you’re in a good space.”
“In the old days of Super Rugby, you had a big two to three-month break over December and January when you completely switched off and mentally refreshed and then came back again. Now you’ve got to really plan your life months ahead and make sure you give yourself time to switch off.”
Pollard emphasized the importance of recovery and personal management to maintain peak performance levels. “You’ve got to give your body time whenever you can to recover, or work on stuff that you have to work on. It’s not easy, but it’s our new normal now. We’ve had a few years of this now, so we’ve all adjusted to it pretty well. But I don’t think you can be on it 12 months straight. That is a bit tough, but you just try and find balance wherever you can to make sure that when Saturday comes, you can perform as best you can.”
Despite the challenges, Pollard relishes the pressure moments, especially when it comes to goal-kicking. “That’s what you live for as a flyhalf,” he stated. “Those are the moments you dream about as a kid.”
“The pressure of kicking for goal is part and parcel of it. It can be a burden and rest heavy on your shoulders if you allow it. But I told myself from day one, from when I was very young, I want that responsibility as a flyhalf.”
Pollard’s approach is not just about facing up to the pressure but embracing it, knowing that not every kick will be successful. “You must be realistic with yourself that it is not always going to go come off. But if you have made peace with that in your heart and mind, and that you are going to do your best and what will be will be, then you can enjoy the moment,” he concluded.
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Handré Pollard, the seasoned Springbok flyhalf, has recently shared insights into the relentless demands of a nearly year-round rugby schedule. As one of the many South African players who are active almost every month, Pollard’s comments shed light on the physical and mental endurance required by athletes at the highest level. South Africa remains unique in its participation across both hemispheres, engaging its players in European league and cup competitions, alongside the Rugby Championship, which will see a hiatus in 2026 due to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
World Rugby has recognized the unsustainable nature of this schedule and is contemplating a global calendar to alleviate the strain on players. Pollard, back at Loftus Versfeld since 2025 after a stint overseas, has had to adjust to the continuous grind. “It’s tough,” he confessed. “You’ve got to plan your life, physically, mentally and on a personal level, to make sure you’re in a good space.”
“In the old days of Super Rugby, you had a big two to three-month break over December and January when you completely switched off and mentally refreshed and then came back again. Now you’ve got to really plan your life months ahead and make sure you give yourself time to switch off.”
Pollard emphasized the importance of recovery and personal management to maintain peak performance levels. “You’ve got to give your body time whenever you can to recover, or work on stuff that you have to work on. It’s not easy, but it’s our new normal now. We’ve had a few years of this now, so we’ve all adjusted to it pretty well. But I don’t think you can be on it 12 months straight. That is a bit tough, but you just try and find balance wherever you can to make sure that when Saturday comes, you can perform as best you can.”
Despite the challenges, Pollard relishes the pressure moments, especially when it comes to goal-kicking. “That’s what you live for as a flyhalf,” he stated. “Those are the moments you dream about as a kid.”
“The pressure of kicking for goal is part and parcel of it. It can be a burden and rest heavy on your shoulders if you allow it. But I told myself from day one, from when I was very young, I want that responsibility as a flyhalf.”
Pollard’s approach is not just about facing up to the pressure but embracing it, knowing that not every kick will be successful. “You must be realistic with yourself that it is not always going to go come off. But if you have made peace with that in your heart and mind, and that you are going to do your best and what will be will be, then you can enjoy the moment,” he concluded.