South Africa international fly-half Handre Pollard will miss the entire Super Rugby season after rupturing knee ligaments, his Bulls side said on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old suffered the injury on his first day back in training on Monday and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.

"Handre 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," said Bulls coach Nollis Marais.

"This is pretty devastating for all of us, as Handre was a key player for us. We are fortunate to have two very capable fly-halves still in our squad in Tian Schoeman and Francois Brummer.

"They now get the opportunity to showcase their skills and I am confident that we can still achieve our goals for the season."

Pollard, who has earned 20 Springbok caps since making his debut in June 2014 against England, was first choice during last year's World Cup, finishing second in the tournament's points scoring standings.

Bulls were due to play their first match in the newly-expanded Super-18 competition away to fellow South Africans Stormers in Cape Town on February 27.
Source: AFP