Henry Pollock, the 20-year-old flanker from Northampton, is enjoying a remarkable rise to prominence in the rugby world. Fresh off a memorable victory over Leinster, Pollock was among four of his Northampton teammates called up to the British & Irish Lions squad. The mood around Franklin’s Gardens has been nothing short of electric as the players bask in their collective achievement, with the news quickly going viral. The team celebrated the announcement with a dinner at Fraser Dingwall’s house, where, despite his own disappointment at not being selected, he played the gracious host.
Pollock’s journey to this point has been rapid. At this time last year, he was still playing junior rugby and struggling to break into the Saints’ first team. Now, not only has he made his England debut, but he also scored a stunning try against Sale in the Premiership, showcasing his undeniable talent. It wasn’t until spring, after his England debut, that Pollock began to seriously entertain the idea of a Lions call-up. His progress has been a testament to his work ethic, natural ability, and the support of his teammates.
Pollock’s fellow players have been effusive in their praise for him. Alex Mitchell, one of the other Lions picks, recalls Pollock’s time in the academy, noting his energy, talent, and mindset. “When he came through, we knew he had everything, but we didn’t know it would happen this quickly,” Mitchell said. He likened Pollock’s rise to the smooth, natural style of darts prodigy Luke Littler. Unlike many newcomers, Pollock doesn’t overthink things; he brings a level of authenticity and passion that resonates with those who watch him. His attitude has made him a standout character on and off the field, earning him the admiration of his peers.
Tommy Freeman, another of Pollock’s teammates at Northampton, also offered glowing remarks, praising Pollock’s personality and his remarkable consistency on the pitch. Freeman himself has been on a hot streak, scoring in every round of the Six Nations and completing a hat-trick in the semi-final against Leinster. Despite his own stellar performances, Freeman was keen to emphasize how remarkable Pollock’s journey has been, saying, “He’s just unbelievable, a hell of a character. Rugby needs players like him to bring excitement and stoke interest in the game.”
As the Lions squad announcement approached, the excitement and nerves were palpable among the Northampton players. Mitchell, in particular, admitted he was so anxious that he considered watching the announcement in private. Ultimately, it was a shared experience with his teammates, and the feeling of camaraderie was overwhelming when the names were finally revealed. They all have been given some time off to recover after a whirlwind few days, with the Saints’ upcoming fixtures including a home game against Saracens and a potential Champions Cup final coming thick and fast.
The Lions selection is not just a personal achievement for Pollock but also a historic moment for Northampton, who have not had four players in the squad since 1997. This current crop of players, buoyed by their success with both club and country, now has a chance to replicate the feats of their predecessors, who went on to claim the Champions Cup in 2000. The excitement for what lies ahead, from the Lions’ first match against Argentina in June to the remaining club fixtures, is palpable, and Pollock is determined to keep up his impressive performances as he continues to carve out a name for himself at the highest level of rugby.
