Eddie Hearn appears to confirm Henry Pollock's Team GB Olympic switch

Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 15:35

bySteven Smith

Henry Pollock has fuelled fresh speculation over his long-term rugby future after Eddie Hearn appeared to reveal one of the England star's biggest career ambitions.

Hearn, who recently signed Pollock to his Matchroom Talent Agency as part of his ambition to turn the Northampton Saints flanker into one of rugby's biggest global stars, shared an Instagram Story of the 21-year-old diving from a yacht while saying Pollock "needs to win the Olympics and the World Cup."

Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

The remark immediately sparked discussion among rugby fans, with many suggesting it could point towards a future spell in rugby sevens as Pollock looks to chase Olympic gold before returning to the 15-a-side game.

While Hearn did not explicitly state Pollock would switch codes, the Olympics are only available to rugby players through the sevens format, making his comments particularly intriguing.

Pollock certainly possesses the attributes to excel in the shortened game. His pace, athleticism and ability in open space have already established him as one of the most exciting young forwards in world rugby.

Fans were quick to react online.

One supporter wrote: "He would be a menace at 7s tbf."

Another added: "I knew his pace was good but it's genuinely obscene for a forward. Dude's got it all."

Others pointed out that Team GB first faces the challenge of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after missing out on Paris 2024.

For now, Pollock remains fully focused on his England and Northampton Saints career. But with one sentence, Hearn has given supporters plenty to talk about, raising the prospect that Olympic gold could one day sit alongside Rugby World Cup glory on the back-rower's list of ambitions.

Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.

More lists:

Henry Pollock facts:

1. His gym stats are just plain ridiculous

Henry Pollock can squat a monstrous 230kg for three reps and bench 140kg for two. Oh, and he hits 10 metres per second at full tilt. Not bad for a flanker, right?

2. He's staying put – for now

Despite serious interest from rival clubs, Pollock penned a multi-year deal with Northampton Saints back in December. The Prem champs weren’t letting this star go anywhere.

3. He exploded onto the international stage

Pollock announced himself in style, scoring two tries on debut in England’s emphatic 68–14 demolition of Wales in Cardiff during the 2025 Six Nations.

4. The youngest Lion of 2025

Pollock is the youngest member of the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, and he’s been handed a very special job: looking after BIL the Lion teddy – a tradition he takes over from Louis Rees-Zammit.

5. He’s got the most unique try celebrations in rugby

Pollock doesn't just score – he puts on a show. Against Leinster, he checked his pulse after dotting down – a tribute to Manchester United’s Diego Dalot. In another match, he went full NBA mode with a basketball-style jump shot using the rugby ball. Iconic stuff.

6. Born to compete

Born 14 January 2005 in Banbury, Oxfordshire, Pollock has always had a fire in his belly. “I wanted to be the best at… probably everything,” he told The Telegraph

7. Sporting greatness runs in the family

Pollock’s family is built for elite sport. His mum, Hester, was a national-level triathlete, and his dad, John, also has a strong sporting background. His sister, Zoe, competes as a 400m hurdler at the University of Georgia, and he has one brother, Angus. Safe to say the competitive streak runs deep in the Pollock household.

8. He started out as a scrum-half – until he got too gobby

Pollock’s first rugby position? Scrum-half. But a coach moved him after deciding he talked too much: “You’ve got a big mouth, we’ll put you at seven.” The rest is history.

9. A Saint since his early teens

He’s been part of the Northampton Saints set-up since under-13s and signed his first pro deal in 2023. A one-club man so far – and a key part of their future.

10. Made his mark in the Premiership and Europe

Pollock made his Prem debut in November 2023 against Leicester Tigers, followed by his Champions Cup debutagainst Castres in December 2024.

11. Dominated the U20s

During the 2024 Six Nations U20s, Pollock picked up three Player of the Match awards and was later crowned Player of the Tournament. Total domination.

12. He stepped up for England A

Pollock continued to impress with England A, earning Player of the Match in their win over Australia A in November 2024.

13. He could’ve played for Scotland

Though now firmly an England man, Pollock was also eligible for Scotland, with both parents born north of the border.

14. He’s balancing rugby and uni life

He’s not just smashing tackles – he’s hitting the books too. Pollock is currently studying part-time for a Sports Management degree at Loughborough University.

15. His rugby idols are a who’s who of back-row greats

Growing up, Pollock looked up to Michael Hooper and Richie McCaw. Closer to home, former Saints legends Courtney Lawes and Teimana Harrison also shaped his game.

STATEMENT: Scotland Chief Dismissed with Immediate Effect

7 Biggest Rugby Free Agents Available Right Now, Ranked