If you were anywhere near social media this past weekend, you would likely have heard the news about the Springbok’s fly-half champion Handre Pollard and his wife Marise announcing a baby on the way!
The couple, who have been together for over a decade, share a love story that spans the globe. In celebration of the exciting baby news, we’re reflecting on how the Pollards met, and how their love bloomed:
It all started in 2013, when Marise was a student at The University of Pretoria and Pollard was climbing the ranks in rugby, playing for the Bulls. According to reports, the couple met through Facebook where they began chatting. When they met up, the pair hit it off and started dating.
View this post on Instagram
ALSO SEE: Did Anlia and Eben Etzebeth just announce they’re expecting a baby!?
On their wedding day in 2017 – which took place at Cavalli Estate in the Cape Winelands – Marise reflected on first meeting Handre, joking that, at first, he wasn’t her usual type. She said:
“He wasn’t the kind of guy I would usually fall for…But he was incredibly attractive to me! He was strong, muscular, and an introvert.”
The couple married four years after meeting, and have been together for just over eleven years, this year.
View this post on Instagram
Handre continues to climb the ranks as a global rugby champ, while Marise – an athlete in her own right who has secured three medals at the South African National Championships – is a fitness blogger and influencer who enjoys running, cycling and tennis.
As far as quality time together goes, the Pollards enjoy traveling. Often, the pair take to Instagram to share snippets from their holidays around the globe – including the Maldives, Italy, France and Switzerland.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
In 2022, the pair relocated from South Africa and made a home for themselves in England, when Handre joined UK club, Leicester Tigers.
However, nothing compares to a holiday back home in the bush – with many of the Pollards’ travel destinations including local gems such as Sabi Sands and Madikwe Hills.
View this post on Instagram
Marise, who is now 27, and Handre, 29, announced that they would be welcoming their ‘biggest blessing’ into the world in April next year, when they took to social media to share exciting pregnancy news over the weekend. This will be the couple’s first child together – apart from their brood of furry four-leggeds.
We’re wishing the Pollard family all the best for their adventures ahead!
ALSO SEE:
SEE: Handre and Marise Pollard have just announced they’re expecting a baby!
Feature Image: Instagram / @marisepollard
