5 Things to Know About England Debutant Henry Pollock

Thursday, 13 March 2025 at 22:28

byRugby Rucker

Steve Borthwick has included uncapped Henry Pollock on the bench for England's final 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations clash against Wales in Cardiff.

Find your local Greene King and settle in to the Six Nations!

Here are five things you need to know about the England and Northampton Saints back-rower.

1. Versatile Athletic Background

Before dedicating himself to rugby, Pollock showcased his athletic versatility by engaging in swimming and triathlon during his youth. This diverse sporting foundation has contributed to his exceptional fitness and endurance on the rugby field.

2. Record-Breaking Early Career

At just 17, Pollock made a significant impact by becoming the youngest try-scorer for Northampton Saints in the professional era. In October 2022, during a Premiership Rugby Cup match against the Saracens, he not only debuted but also crossed the try line twice, setting a new club record.

3. Leadership from a Young Age

Demonstrating natural leadership qualities, Pollock captained the England Under-18 team in 2022. His ability to inspire and lead his peers has been evident throughout his progression in the sport.

4. Academic Pursuits

Balancing sports and academics, Pollock is pursuing a part-time degree in sports management at Loughborough University. This commitment to education reflects his dedication to personal development beyond the rugby pitch.

5. Sporting Lineage

Athletic prowess runs in the Pollock family. His older sister, Zoe, is a distinguished athlete specializing in the 400 meters and 400 meters hurdles, representing both Oxford City and the University of Georgia. This familial connection to elite sports has undoubtedly influenced and inspired Henry's rugby journey.

Jonny Wilkinson didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent

England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?

The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most "hated" facing during his career.

#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu's one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.

WILKINSON SAID: "One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999

#4. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.

WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player

#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)

WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in 'greatest ever' sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached

#2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

WILKINSON SAID: "“A guy that stood the test of time and has remained at the best, the highest level of the game for that time. Finishing second best was never an option."

DID YOU KNOW? McCaw led his country to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015

#1. Christophe Dominici (France)

Dominici played 67 times for his country and won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008. In recent years he had worked as a pundit for French radio and TV before his death in 2020.

WILKINSON SAID: "His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”

DID YOU KNOW? Dominci appeared in three World Cups for his country in 1999, 2003 and 2007, scoring eight tries over that time.

Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?

The British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!

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