Why rugby needs more superstars like Henry Pollock

When asked to think of a sporting superstar, the obvious names that appear first are the likes of Lionel Messi, Lewis Hamilton or LeBron James.

Very rarely does a rugby player break through into the cultural zeitgeist and become a celebrity in their own right.

Sure, Antoine Dupont and Beauden Barrett are household names in rugby families, for example, but they aren’t quite at the level of stardom which projects them above the sport.

Enter Henry Pollock. The Northampton Saints youngster has done what no player does at this stage of their career.

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The Pollock effect

Pollock is undoubtedly the most well-known player in England, arguably the entire northern hemisphere.

People like Joe Marler and Ellie Kildunne are also famous, sure, but for Marler it has come years after retirement and for Kildunne because she is the best in the world.

Young Henry only made one start for England this Six Nations, with the rest of his appearances being as a ‘super sub’ off the bench.

But his stature outside of the game would make a casual or non-viewer of the game think he is in the ‘GOAT’ debate.

Add to this his signing with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency and Pollock’s popularity, and indeed cash, is going to skyrocket within the next few years.

Fans following the sport closely can see his impact live every week via rugby union live scores, a handy way to track his contributions and the games that are shaping his rising profile.

Is rugby in need of star power?

Whether you love or love to hate Pollock, this deal is absolutely vital for rugby and its growth.

As much as the stubborn old guard doesn’t want it, rugby needs star power if it’s to attract new eyes and big-money sponsors.

What Hearn, below, said after watching his first international match, Wales vs Italy on Super Saturday, says everything that needs to be said.

“I watched all three Six Nations matches and loved it all,” Hearn said on his Instagram. “When I was watching the England game, I only knew one player.

“I hope those in charge can start to give the sport the profile, storytelling and noise it deserves.

“Like boxing, tough people and a sport built on discipline and respect – can and should be much bigger.”

Hearn had nothing but respect for rugby, but more people need to discover our sport and realise how great it is.

Lessons from boxing

Boxing is built on personalities. Fights are big because people are watching two personalities take each other on.

The sport would not be half as big if fighters were simply voiceless punching bags.

Tyson Fury is a great fighter, yes, but his larger-than-life personality and nuclear attitude are why he is so popular.

Rugby needs its big personalities to have the spotlight in pop culture. Finn Russell would be huge if given the platform.

People love Pollock’s gamesmanship, so imagine how the internet would have reacted to Owen Farrell smirking at New Zealand‘s haka in the 2019 World Cup.

If rugby had the social media presence in 2019 that they do now, it would have blown up. But they were late to the socials game, and are paying the price now.

Evolution, not revolution

Fine, if the powers that be are reluctant to simplify the thousands of little rules and regs that only lifelong fans understand, then at least let the players themselves grow the game.

The women’s game has jumped on that idea, and it is working wonders.

Ilona Maher has brought thousands of new eyes to rugby because she has been given a platform to express herself.

Kildunne is also following suit now, featuring on chat shows and award ceremonies aplenty.

Rugby relevance is shrinking as other sports rise in superstar power. Pollock has been a breath of fresh air for the sport and is finally creating the young fan hype not seen in years.

Evolution, not revolution, is the key. Much like Wales in this year’s Six Nations, all the ingredients are there to get back to being successful; let’s just turn it all up to 11.

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