By James Logan
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Whether it’s showmanship or sensational, Henry Pollock is quickly becoming one of the biggest and most exciting talents in world rugby.
Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad announcement for the summer tour to Australia has given the young back row yet another target and opportunity to prove his skills.
Pollock said: “We can’t hide away from it, of course the Lions question has been popped a number of times at the minute, and they are all saying the same things.
“It is all very subjective, and it is their opinion at the end of the day, you’ve just got to keep playing well.
“If I do get the chance, it would be great and ill relish it but if I miss out, I’m still young and have a long way to go ahead of me.”
Social Media
The world of rugby has seemed to have flocked to social media as week-on-week, Henry Pollock does another mesmerising thing.
With success for the young man also comes celebrations that have also been copied by thousands of players on grassroots pitches across the country.
Pollock was asked if his celebrations and character on the pitch are helping to bring new eyes and players to rugby and if he was aware of the impact he was making.
Talking about the celebrations, he said: “No they aren’t predetermined unfortunately; they are totally off the top of my head.
“I am just being myself at the end of the day I guess, if you don’t like it then don’t watch it.”
Pollock’s performances in this season’s European Investec Champions Cup has got him into the position of being nominated as player of the year but he feels like it’s just another chance to entertain.
Entertainment Factor
He added: “If you look at football there is a lot of the entertainment factor and there are a lot of characters and role models in the game.
“Look people want to buy tickets and go and watch it and buy the shirts and rugby is at a junction here as they need to do something new here.
“There needs to be more of it and for young players they need to have more people to look up to.”
Despite the excitement, he also explained how without risk there is no reward, he also suggested that there is always a chance that it can go wrong.
He said: “A hundred percent, with all of it comes a target on your head but as I said I am just trying to enjoy my rugby as much as I can.”
2025 Season
Henry Pollock also reflected on his season as the adversaries he faced on international duty with both England 20s and the main squad.
Pollock said: “I got the call up to the training squad in Girona before the tournament through other injuries and spent about a week and a half there.
“Once you get a taste for that level, you don’t want to lose it, and I think that was the most difficult conversation I’ve had with Steve (Borthwick) about my development.
“We created something special in the 20s the year before and I know these boys since I was 16,17,18 in the system and it was a different challenge just had to tell myself it was like every other game.”
Pollock’s impact both on Northampton Saints and England with undoubtedly be felt in the years to come as the young man from Banbury continues to turn everything he touches into gold.
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