South Africa’s star turned down a mega-money deal because of Steve Borthwick’s “no bulls***” stance

World champion Handre Pollard arrived in Europe and chose to leave the French team Montpellier in favor of joining the Leicester Tigers after being impressed with Steve Borthwick’s strategy.

In Saturday’s World Cup semifinal, Steve Borthwick—who signed the South African star while managing the Leicester Tigers—will face Handre Pollard.

The current England manager pursued South Africa’s World Cup-winning fly-half last summer while searching for a replacement for the exceptional George Ford. Despite having substantial offers on the table, Pollard chose Leicester because he was impressed with Borthwick’s “no bulls***” attitude.

After just a few months of collaboration, Borthwick received a call from England, where he had served as an assistant coach, to take Eddie Jones’ place less than a year before the World Cup.

Throughout his coaching career, Borthwick has experienced tremendous success, and Pollard was struck by the 44-year-old’s moral principles. In the past, he declared: “Look, there is no bullshit around this; there were bigger deals on the table, but I have decided to work with Steve and become a member of the Leicester Tigers, a fantastic club with a fantastic rugby history.” Being a part of what Steve is doing at this club is what thrills me.

He is extremely clear about what he wants and anticipates in life. I’d like that. With him, there’s no bulls***. I value that. He is direct, which is what I appreciate in a head coach: whether you agree with it or not, he puts it directly in your face.

Before joining the Bristol Bears, Ellis Genge, a key player for the current England team, was also under Borthwick’s tutelage in Leicester. He won the Premiership while he was at Welford Road, and the prop was all praise for the way the England manager conducts himself.

When he was appointed England coach, he commented, “I’m thrilled to be working back with Steve and Kev. I probably did think that I wouldn’t be coached by him again.” Genge went on to say: “He speaks calmly and he knows what he’s trying to get across, and he makes a very good point of doing that.”

Notwithstanding an unimpressive Six Nations and inadequate preparation that saw them win just one of four games, Borthwick’s strategy has propelled England to the round of eight. Nonetheless, they remain overwhelming underdogs over South Africa as the Springboks aim for a four-game victory over England in the World Cup.

Borthwick was in the coaching box as Jones’ assistant when South Africa outclassed England in the final at the last World Cup four years ago. On that occasion Pollard kicked 22 of his side’s 32 points.