England star Henry Pollock has revealed his biggest rugby “ick” – and his answer perfectly sums up his approach to the game.
The Northampton Saints back-rower has quickly established himself as one of rugby’s biggest personalities, with his celebrations, relentless energy and willingness to engage with opposition players and supporters making him impossible to ignore.
And according to Pollock, his biggest rugby “ick” is simple: people not being themselves on the rugby pitch.
It is something the England international has spoken about before, having previously admitted he wants rugby players to show more personality.
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‘You can be yourself’
“I was always loud growing up,” Pollock previously told Sky Sports.
“I looked at all the football players and everyone had their own celebrations – it was all about individuals in a team sport and I saw rugby didn’t really have that.
“Rugby was very much: ‘It’s the team’s way,’ and you have to be part of the team, there’s no individuals.”
Pollock decided he wanted to challenge that traditional approach.
“I thought: ‘Let’s try with the celebrations and try create something where you can be yourself in the team environment.’ It’s only good for the sport.”
His approach has certainly divided opinion.
The distinctive black headband, celebrations and constant interactions with opposition players have made Pollock one of the most recognisable young players in world rugby.
He has even admitted he understands why opposition supporters enjoy giving him stick.
“If I was a fan I’d boo me!” he said.
“I’m the energiser and in my way I’m running around the pitch, getting on the ball loads and I try and be infectious in that aspect.”
Whether you love him or hate him, Pollock clearly has no intention of toning things down.
And considering his biggest rugby “ick” is players not being themselves, you wouldn’t expect anything else.
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The 20 Highest-Paid Rugby Players in the World in 2026
Exact figures are rarely disclosed, particularly in Japan and South Africa, so every amount should be treated as an informed estimate rather than a confirmed salary.
20. Manie Libbok – Hanazono Kintetsu Liners
Estimated salary: £500,000 per year
Libbok secured the biggest contract of his career by moving from the Stormers to Japan. The Springbok fly-half’s creativity, pace and attacking instincts make him one of the Liners’ headline overseas signings.
19. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux-Bègles)
Estimated salary: £500,000–£600,000
The reigning World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year has become one of the sport’s biggest stars. Bordeaux-Bègles moved quickly to secure the winger on an improved long-term contract after his remarkable rise, making him one of the best-paid young players in world rugby.
18. George Ford – Sale Sharks
Estimated salary: £500,000–£550,000 per year
Ford remains one of the PREM’s best-paid playmakers. The England fly-half is central to Sale’s ambitions and commands a premium because of his tactical control, experience and elite goal-kicking.
17. Marcus Smith – Harlequins
Estimated salary: £500,000–£550,000 per year
The face of Harlequins continues to be one of English rugby’s most marketable players. Smith’s club contract, combined with his England enhanced deal, places him close to the global top 20.
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16. Lood de Jager – Saitama Wild Knights
Estimated salary: £525,000–£600,000 per year
The towering Springbok lock remains a highly prized figure in Japan. His lineout expertise, physicality and vast Test experience make him one of Saitama’s most important overseas players.
15. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
Estimated salary: £600,000–£685,000 per year
Farrell remains one of rugby’s biggest earners despite returning to Saracens after just one season in France. His Racing 92 deal was reported to be worth around £685,000 per year, and although his current contract is believed to be lower, the England great is still among the Premiership’s highest-paid players
