Vodacom Bulls coach Pote Human has confirmed Handré Pollard will captain the side for the rest of the season in the injury-enforced absence of Lood de Jager.

The Bulls were hit by an injury bombshell on Monday when it was revealed that De Jager, who had only been appointed as captain this year, would miss the rest of the Vodacom Super Rugby season due to a shoulder problem he sustained against the Jaguares.

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Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Human said vice-captain Pollard, who led the side against the Lions last weekend, would continue in his role for the rest of the year.

‘Handré is definitely our captain for the rest of the season,’ Human said. ‘I think he has done a good job, he keeps us calm, knows the game and is world-class. So I am very happy to keep him as captain.’

The Pretoria-based franchise is facing a lock crisis ahead of its next fixture against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Eli Snyman, who stood in for De Jager, has also suffered a shoulder injury, while the Bulls are still without Hendré Stassen, who is on loan to Stade Français.

This has led Human to shift Hanro Liebenberg, who is far more comfortable at flank, to lock against the Sharks.

‘Hanro recently played for Stade Français at lock, so he is used to it,’ Human said. ‘Stassen is still there [in Paris] until the end of March. They [Stade] want to keep him, so that is a decision the board must make. Unfortunately, Aston Fortuin injured his toe on Tuesday so he is not available for this weekend.’

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