The Bulls and SA Rugby have opted not to comment on the contractual saga of flyhalf Handré Pollard.

A report over the weekend suggested Pollard was set to go unpaid after suffering a serious knee injury in the pre-season, which allegedly prevented his contract insurance from being reinstated. The flyhalf recently returned from his stint with Japanese club NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, and needed to play again for the Bulls in order for the injury insurance to take effect.

It’s unclear whether SA Rugby was set to step in to cover the shortfall, but when approached for comment, a spokesman stated that it would not discuss players’ contractual matters. The Bulls also refused to comment.

Pollard’s knee injury – suffered in a freak training ground accident – is set to see him miss the entire Super Rugby season, the June Tests against Ireland, and most likely the Rugby Championship.

The 21-year-old’s contract with the Bulls ends at the end of 2017, and it will be interesting to see whether he opts to extend his stay beyond then.

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images