Wallabies hooker Billy Pollard has committed to the sport until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, putting an end to speculation, for now at least, of a code switch to the NRL.
Pollard, 23, made his Test debut in 2022 under exceptional circumstances as a late call-up in Argentina, but emerged as a leading option for Joe Schmidt last year, playing four Tests.
He was recently linked to the Bears, a new NRL franchise based in Perth, which is seeking recruits.
Pollard’s father and grandfather both played league for the Bears and he was a junior league player with Asquith Magpies.
Billy Pollard poses during an Australia Wallabies Portrait Session on June 26, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for ARU)
Six years ago he had several NRL clubs attempting to sign him and he met with Wayne Bennett at Souths.
“I did have an opportunity to go to Souths, but by that stage I was probably looking at union. He told me wherever I go, if you want to be the best you have to train like it and to act like it, 24-7,” he said last year.
On Tuesday, RA and the Brumbies announced he was signed on until the end of 2027.
“I’m really happy to re-sign with the Brumbies and Australian Rugby for two more years,” Pollard, who has scored eight tries this season, said in a statement.
“There’s nowhere else I would rather be at this stage of my career, and I feel I’ve got a lot of growth in me as a player and a person that can be achieved here in Canberra. As a team we are striving for success and I enjoy being a part of the playing group and the organisation at the Brumbies.
“Obviously there’s some big milestone events on the horizon here in Australia and I’ll be continuing to work hard to give myself the best chance to be part of those in a Wallabies jersey.”
ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham said: “Billy has grown enormously as a player since he arrived at the club.
“He’s been on the end of a lot of tries this season, but there are other areas of his game like his set-piece and defence where he has made such great strides.
“We’re delighted that he will stay on with the Brumbies and hope he can help us achieve success in the coming years.”
