Steve Borthwick is confident that Henry Pollock can secure a spot in the British & Irish Lions Test team for the upcoming series against Australia, despite the 20-year-old back-rower having only one England cap as a substitute. Pollock’s inclusion in the Lions squad was a headline moment following a breakthrough season, during which he played a key role in helping Northampton reach the Champions Cup final.
At the start of the Six Nations, Pollock was still representing England’s Under-20 team. However, by the end of the championship, he had caught the attention of Borthwick, who included him in the senior England squad. Pollock made a remarkable debut off the bench against Wales in Cardiff, scoring two tries in just over half an hour of play.
The back row is one of the most fiercely contested areas in Andy Farrell’s Lions squad, featuring established players like Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier, and Jack Conan. Nevertheless, Pollock stands out as a young talent with the potential to join a prestigious group of players who have earned their first Test start for the Lions rather than England, such as Jason Robinson and Jamie George.
Borthwick expressed strong belief in Pollock’s prospects, stating that it would be unwise to count him out. He praised the intense competition within the squad, particularly highlighting Ben Earl’s consistent high-level performances for England over the past few years. According to Borthwick, the depth of talent among the back-row players makes the squad—and the series itself—especially exciting.
What impresses Borthwick most about Pollock is his ability to rise to challenges at every level. He describes Pollock as a player who embraces the contest without hesitation, throwing himself fully into every opportunity. Borthwick expects Pollock to bring the same fearless attitude to the Lions tour this summer.
Pollock’s rapid rise is notable. From starting the Six Nations training camp, playing a few matches with the Under-20s, rejoining the senior camp, to ultimately making his England debut, his progress has been swift and steady. Since then, his form with Northampton, particularly in high-stakes matches, has been outstanding. Borthwick highlights Pollock’s talent and love for the challenge, qualities that set him apart.
The Lions squad features 13 England players, led by captain Maro Itoje. Richard Wigglesworth has joined the Lions coaching staff as the first assistant coach seconded from England since Borthwick’s own appointment during the 2017 New Zealand tour. Borthwick is also anticipating further call-ups to the England squad during their summer tours of Argentina and the US, as he plans to select a 36-man roster for those fixtures.
Reflecting on England’s recent history, Borthwick acknowledges that the team has sometimes struggled in the Six Nations following a Lions tour. However, he believes that the benefits of having a significant number of players involved in the Lions outweigh these challenges. The experience gained from playing alongside and against the best players from four countries offers invaluable learning opportunities.
Borthwick also points to the strategic advantage of touring Australia ahead of the World Cup, which will be held there in two years. From both a player and management perspective, the tour offers a chance to observe and understand how the Australian team operates. Additionally, Australia will be England’s first opponent in the Autumn Series later in 2025, making the upcoming Lions tour even more critical for preparation and insight.
Overall, Borthwick’s optimism about Pollock reflects his broader confidence in the talent and potential of England’s emerging players, and the strength of the Lions squad as they prepare for a challenging summer in Australia.
