The Bulls have confirmed that star flyhalf Handré Pollard has been ruled out of the entire Super Rugby competition after tearing knee ligaments at a training session on Monday.

Pollard was recovering from a shoulder injury, and suffered the freak knee injury on his first day back at training, with the young flyhalf now scheduled to undergo an operation on Wednesday.

The injury is not only a massive blow for the Bulls, but the Springboks too, with Pollard set to miss the June Tests against Ireland, and most likely the Rugby Championship.

'Handré was easing back into training, his first phase of final rehab before being cleared to play, and was busy with a passing drill when he injured himself,' coach Nollis Marais said. 'This is pretty devastating for all of us as Handré was a key player for us.

'We are fortunate to have two very capable flyhalves still in our squad in Tian Schoeman and Francois Brummer,' he added. 'They now get the opportunity to showcase their skills and I am confident that we can still achieve our goals for the season.'

Marais also confirmed that Lappies Labuschagne injured his ankle last Wednesday and will be in a race to be fit for the Bulls' opening Super Rugby clash against the Stormers on 27 February.

'As things stand, he will not be able to train for at least two weeks,' Marais said.

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