Shock favourite to sign Henry Pollock emerges

According to The Telegraph, Pollock's current contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 season and is worth around £150,000 per year.

Following his rapid rise for both club and country, alongside his move to Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency, the 21-year-old is now set for a major pay rise.

With his future likely to attract interest from some of rugby's biggest clubs, we look at the five most realistic destinations for Pollock and rate the chances of where he could be playing by 2028.

If Pollock remains in England, there are only a handful of clubs that could realistically afford him. Bath are one of them, particularly if Finn Russell moves on in the coming years.

Russell, another athlete represented by Eddie Hearn, is now in his mid-30s and is under contract until June 2028.

Should he leave when that deal expires, Bath would have significant room in their salary budget to pursue another marquee signing.

Replacing a world class fly-half with a back row might seem an unusual use of those funds, but Pollock could easily be among the world's best by that stage.

He would also remain available for England, making the move appealing from both a rugby and commercial perspective.

The only question is whether Bath have the profile to maximise a player with Pollock's growing global appeal.

Despite their financial strength, they remain a relatively small club compared to some of Europe's biggest names.

Likelihood: 4/10

If Pollock decides to leave England, French clubs are almost certain to be at the front of the queue.

Toulouse stand above the rest as France's biggest club. While they continue to work within salary cap restrictions, they would still be capable of matching the financial package needed to sign a player of Pollock's calibre.

The opportunity to play alongside global stars such as Antoine Dupont would also be a major attraction, both for Pollock and for Eddie Hearn, who will be looking to further raise his client's worldwide profile.

A move to Toulouse could also put pressure on the RFU's overseas selection policy.

With Jack Willis already in France, adding Pollock to the list of unavailable England flankers would only intensify calls for a change in the rules.

While it remains an outside possibility, a move abroad is not impossible.

Likelihood: 5/10

3 Union Bordeaux-Bègles

A switch to Bordeaux could create one of rugby's biggest storylines.

The French club have the financial power to compete for Pollock's signature, but the biggest attraction would be the narrative.

His rivalry with UBB began in the 2025 Investec Champions Cup final and continued through later meetings, with heated contests, controversial celebrations and hostile receptions from the home crowd.

Turning that rivalry into a partnership would generate huge attention and offer plenty of commercial opportunities.

From Hearn's perspective, placing his client at one of Europe's leading clubs, while transforming one of rugby's fiercest rivalries into a new chapter, could be a marketing dream.

By 2028, any bad blood may also have eased, making the move more realistic than it currently appears.

Likelihood: 6/10

The simplest outcome is that Pollock stays where he is.

Having progressed through Northampton's academy, he is already part of an established squad that has enjoyed success and includes England teammates such as Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman.

Saints may struggle to match the financial offers available elsewhere, but they can provide stability, regular success and an environment that suits Pollock's game.

Phil Dowson's attacking style has helped him flourish and could continue to bring the best out of him.

Remaining at Franklin's Gardens would also keep him eligible for England, something that still carries enormous value.

The commercial opportunities that come with becoming one of England's biggest stars could ultimately outweigh the benefits of chasing the highest salary abroad.

Likelihood: 7/10

Newcastle Red Bulls appear to tick almost every box.

With major financial backing, room for a marquee signing and one of the biggest brands in global sport behind them, they could offer Pollock a lucrative contract without sacrificing his England eligibility.

The club are still searching for a true superstar to build their project around, and Pollock fits that description perfectly.

He would become the face of the team, while Red Bulls would have the resources to attract more elite talent to play alongside him.

The move could also make commercial sense for Eddie Hearn, who has not previously had a significant partnership with Red Bull.

Bringing one of his biggest clients into that ecosystem could create opportunities well beyond rugby.

Financially, commercially and from a rugby perspective, Newcastle Red Bulls currently look like the strongest fit.

Likelihood: 8/10