Feature
Henry Pollock has burst onto the scene at Northampton Saints, with the energetic England U20s flanker eyeing up a regular first team place.
Pollock, 19, made his first start for Northampton aged just 17 in a Premiership Cup victory back in 2022 against Saracens in which he scored two tries in an outstanding display.
This season has been Pollock’s breakthrough year, making three starts in the Premiership Cup before coming off the bench in an East Midlands derby at Welford Road for his Premiership debut against Leicester.
Pollock earned plaudits for his high work rate and doggedness around the breakdown but made his mark for Mark Mapletoft’s side during the U20s Six Nations in which he scored four tries, including a hat-trick against Italy, to help guide England to their first title since 2021.
The 6ft 2in, 16st 8lbs back row, who was awarded player of the tournament, told The Rugby Paper: “I’ve loved it. It’s my first season at Saints as a professional athlete and it’s been everything I’ve imagined. I’m very fortunate to be part of the U20s group that won the Six Nations, that was pretty special.
“To be part of a Premiership winning team is great even though I haven’t played as much as I’d like to. It was great to be in training with the likes of Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Alex Waller as they are true legends of the game. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come.
“The strongest part of my game would be my work rate around the park. I like to think I’m the hardest working player. If I’m done after 60 minutes, I’m done and someone fresh can come on. As a squad we pride ourselves on that if you’ve given your all and you’re done at 60, you’re done at 60. I want to improve on my defensive collisions. It’s something I’ve been working on in the last five weeks and has been my focus going into the Junior World Cup.”
Pollock, who has been out on loan at local Championship side Bedford Blues, says he isn’t affected by the added pressure and spotlight since his breakout year.
He added: “I don’t think about it like that. I push that to the side and just try to get better each day. The boys in the environment are really good around that, keeping everyone level headed which really helps. I’m loving my rugby whether it’s at Northampton, Bedford or England. The main thing is getting better each day by absorbing information from different coaches and environments.
“Post Junior World Cup, I want to get into the Saints first team on a regular basis.”
Banbury-born Pollock, who grew up idolising 2015 World Cup stars Richie McCaw, Michael Hopper and David Pocock, is now renowned for his own work over the ball and was delighted that his Northampton side hoisted up the Premiership title earlier this month.
“I was gutted to miss the final but it was great to see the boys get the result,” said Pollock. “It’s an amazing group with such big names driving it. We are the hardest working team in the league and it was a great way to send off some legends at the club.”
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