Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham has tipped Billy Pollard for “an amazing future” after the young hooker signed with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies until the end of 2025.
The 21-year-old made his Test debut against Argentina last year and is considered one of the most exciting prospects in Australia.
Pollard was a schoolboy star in both rugby and league who was reportedly courted by seven NRL coaches including Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett.
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His speed and athleticism is rare for a front rower and he has been named on the Brumbies bench for Saturday’s home game against the Drua.
“As a club, we believe Billy has an amazing future ahead of him and we’re pleased he’s chosen to continue with the Brumbies,” Larkham said.
“The club has invested a lot in his development and I think we’ll get to see that over the next two and half years. Billy’s got attributes most can only dream of having and with more time at this level, we believe he’ll become an important player for us moving forward.”
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Pollard was not included in Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies squad with Dave Porecki, Lachlan Lonergan and Jordan Uelese preferred at hooker.
But Jones made it clear that Pollard was on his radar ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France.
“Billy is a good young player with plenty ahead of him in Australian rugby,” Jones said.
“We’re looking forward to watching more of him on the field for the Brumbies during the remainder of the Super Rugby season.”
Pollard joined the Brumbies at the end of 2019 after playing a starring role alongside Joseph Suaalii for the Australian schools and under-18s side that went undefeated in New Zealand.
He has played nine Super Rugby games.
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“I’m excited to be staying at the Brumbies and in Australian rugby,” Pollard said.
“I’ve enjoyed my time learning at the Brumbies and I’m hungry to earn and compete for more minutes in Super Rugby.
“Playing for the Wallabies has been and still is a massive goal of mine, and to have made my debut is special but I’m definitely focused on putting my best foot forward to force my way in on merit.”
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