Handre Pollard to Leicester Tigers more than an Instagram rumour

Rumours linking Springboks Handre Pollard with a move to Leicester Tigers could be more than mere speculation - RugbyPass understands.

This afternoon a number of eagle-eyed social media detectives saw that the Montpellier standoff - who is off-contract at the end of the current season - had followed their Welford Road club's official account on Instagram.

With confirmation coming this week that George Ford will sign for Gallagher Premiership rivals Sale Sharks for next season, many are now joining the dots with a move by Leicester Tigers for the World Cup-winning pivot.

Ford - who is currently out of favour with Eddie Jones' England - signed a three-year deal on Wednesday morning with Sale Sharks that will see the 28-year-old join Alex Sanderson's squad in July 2022.

Leicester Tigers are now lining up potential replacements.

RugbyPass understands that Pollard has been in contact with personnel at the club, although things are still very much in the early stages and he also speaking to at least one other club. One source close to the Leicester set-up revealed there is a good chance that the superstar will end up at Steve Borthwick's table-topping Tigers.

Reputed to be one of the best-paid players in professional rugby, the 27-year-old's signature would be one of the most high profile in the game and he won't lack for suitors.

He has of course been heavily linked with a move to Gallagher Premiership previously - most notably persistent rumours linking him with a move to Bath that never materialised. The West Country club are currently being steered by Danny Cipriani, although the 33-year-old's current contract expires at the end of this season.

The Western Cape native has been named at 10 for the Springboks game with England at Twickenham this weekend, with fans looking forward to the battle between him and England new-boy Marcus Smith. It might well become a rivalry that will soon be playing out in the Gallagher Premiership.

Handre Pollard – South Africa

Club: Montpellier

Position: Fly-half

Age: 27

Caps: 59

Debut: v Scotland, 2014

Height: 6ft 2in

Weight: 15st 4lbs

Points: 586 (Tries 6, conversions 83, penalties 126, drop-goals 4)