Handre Pollard Named Ambassador for Invictus Brandy as Springboks Star Launches New Drink
- Handre Pollard has stepped into a new off-field role, fronting a premium brandy recently launched in South Africa
- The Springbok star unveiled his partnership in a lighthearted way, making a surprise public appearance shortly after his return to local rugby
- He follows a growing trend among rugby players branching into the beverage business, joining several teammates who have launched their alcohol brands
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Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has taken on a new role away from the pitch, becoming the ambassador for a premium brandy brand recently launched in South Africa.
The partnership was revealed playfully, with Pollard surprising shoppers in disguise during an appearance at Checkers.
The lighthearted stunt comes shortly after his return to local rugby, following several years playing abroad.
Source: Getty Images
Pollard spent the past three years in England with Leicester Tigers, based in the market town of Market Harborough.
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In March, he decided to head home, rejoining the Bulls ahead of the 2025–26 season. His new business move aligns neatly with his long-known fondness for “brannas,” and marks his first major step into the entrepreneurial space.
Source: Instagram
What is Pollard's latest venture?
On social media, Pollard has previously shared moments celebrating the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup triumphs, including back-to-back titles, often with a brandy-and-cola in hand.
His latest venture, fronting Invictus VSOP Cape Brandy, extends that connection between rugby celebrations and South African drinking culture.
Source: Getty Images
Springboks and the drinks business
Pollard joins a growing list of Springboks investing in the beverage industry. Trevor Nyakane developed Nyakane Gin during lockdown, turning a hobby into a thriving venture.
Source: Instagram
Steven Kitshoff partnered with Malcolm Marx to create Bomb Squad Lager, released just before the Rugby World Cup, while Percy Montgomery launched El Centurion 102 Tequila in 2021, pledging part of the proceeds to community initiatives.
The two athletes, who were long-time roommates during Springbok tours, often discussed life after rugby. Their shared passion for beer and business led them to launch Bomb Squad Beer, partnering with Saggy Stone Brewery in Robertson.
“Aimee, my wife, actually came up with the name. It was inspired by the ‘Bomb Squad’ nickname our Springbok bench earned during the World Cup,” Kitshoff told My Players.
Their first creation, Bomb Squad Lager, is described as smooth, easy to drink, and appealing to a broad market, a strategic choice in South Africa, where lager remains the preferred beer style.
South African rugby icon Bryan Habana has turned his attention to fintech, co-founding Paymenow, an earned wage access (EWA) platform launched in January 2020.
The platform allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, aiming to combat overindebtedness and predatory lending in South Africa.
Kriel reacts after replacing Kolisi as Boks' captain
Briefly News also reported that Jesse Kriel shared his thoughts after being named Springboks captain in the absence of Siya Kolisi for the clash against the Barbarians over the weekend.
The Sharks star was part of the Boks team named by Rassie Erasmus, but suffered an injury before the match and had to be withdrawn from the squad.
Source: Briefly News
