Flyhalf Handré Pollard has been appointed as Bulls captain ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby tournament.

With regular captain Adriaan Strauss still recovering from surgery and expected to miss the opening stages of the competition, Pollard has been identified to take the captaincy reins in his absence with flank Hanro Liebenberg named vice-captain.

Coach Nollis Marais confirmed Pollard’s appointment on Saturday.

‘Handre is an amazing rugby player and a natural born leader, and we are privileged to have a young man of his calibre in our system,’ he said.

‘He has a strong personality and a great vision for the game, as he has shown time and time again, at all levels. Couple that with the respect he has earned from the players and the vital experience he has gained with the Springboks, and his appointment becomes obvious,’ concluded Marais.

The 22-year-old has led the Junior Boks on numerous occasions, but this will be his first stint as captain of a senior team.

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