Eddie Hearn reveals Henry Pollock transfer plan

Hearn, who recently attended Wales’ Six Nations clash with Italy, has built a reputation for elevating athletes into mainstream stars. Now, with rugby in his sights, he has teamed up with Stellar Group to manage Pollock’s off-field interests.

Pollock — who toured Australia last summer with the British & Irish Lions — is expected to see a significant rise in income, particularly away from the pitch.

“I’m not going to slag off what players are earning, but I’ve been through Henry’s money and it’s going to change significantly over the next two or three years,” Hearn told The Times. “He’s a young man and he’s not moaning about it.”

Drawing comparisons with boxing purses, Hearn insisted he knows how to “build a star.”

“I’m going to make him more money off the field than he’s making on the field,” he said. “We’ll make sure he’s across all mainstream media. You’re not going to see him doing small local ads — you’ll see him aligned with major global brands.”

However, while Hearn focuses on commercial growth, the knock-on effect could create challenges for Northampton Saints. It is not necessarily Pollock himself driving up expectations, but the financial ambitions of his new representatives, which may soon stretch beyond what the club can realistically afford.

With wealthier Premiership sides such as Newcastle Red Bulls and Bath Rugby capable of offering significantly larger packages, Saints could find it difficult to compete if those expectations escalate.

Pollock does remain on a long-term contract at Northampton, which helps explain why Hearn has indicated it could take “two or three years” before the full financial impact of his involvement is realised.

Hearn added: "I played rugby at a very low level and it has so many of the same fundamentals of boxing. Discipline, respect, physicality, manners, teamwork. Forget the backgrounds, it’s the same educator. It’s a much better educator than sitting in a classroom learning about neutrons and protons.

‘As soon as Henry came in last week, I thought, “I love this kid”. A young kid with bundles of talent, big balls on him and a personality to light up the room.

‘I can see hundreds of thousands of kids with a rugby ball under their arm, with a running commentary pretending they’re Henry Pollock.’

From established stars to emerging names, we explore what top-level performance is really worth in the modern game of English rugby today.

Estimated earnings: ~£650,000+ per year
Club salary: ~£500,000
England EPS / central payments: ~£150,000+

One of the most established forwards in the Premiership, Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry is believed to earn around £500,000 per year at club level. When his England EPS and match payments are factored in, his total annual income is thought to rise comfortably beyond £650,000.

The financial package reflects his standing within the England national team setup. A former England captain and long-time Test starter, Curry has also featured prominently for the British & Irish Lions, underlining his reputation as one of the northern hemisphere’s premier openside flankers.

Relentless at the breakdown and renowned for his defensive work-rate, Curry’s importance for both Sale and England ensures he remains among the top earners in English rugby.

Estimated earnings: ~£750,000+ per year
Club salary: ~£600,000
England EPS / central payments: ~£150,000+

One of the fastest-rising earners in the Premiership, the Northampton Saints fly-half is reportedly on around £600,000 per year after signing a major new deal in late 2025. When his England EPS contract is added, worth an estimated £150,000, his total annual income is believed to push beyond £750,000.

The financial rise has mirrored his progress on the international stage. Selected for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, Smith later made history by becoming the first Lion whose grandfather had also represented the famous side when he played against Argentina in June.

Estimated earnings: ~£760,000 per year
Club salary: ~£600,000 (contracted through 2028)
England RFU central deal: ~£160,000

Few players in the Premiership combine star power and earning potential quite like Harlequins’ playmaker. Reports from late 2024 suggest a total package of around £760,000 per year, made up of a £600,000 club salary and approximately £160,000 from his England central contract.

At the very top of the game, Smith has already built an impressive Lions résumé. He debuted on the 2021 tour, producing a standout performance against the Stormers, and was again selected for the 2025 tour to Australia, contributing as the Lions secured a 2–1 series victory.

Estimated earnings: Just below £1,000,000 per year
Club salary: Undisclosed (believed near seven figures)
England EPS / central payments: Included in total estimate

Loyalty over maximum earnings has defined the latest chapter of Sale’s midfield general. Although Ford was reportedly offered close to £1 million per season by breakaway outfit R360, he chose to remain in Manchester by signing a new deal. While exact figures remain private, his pay is believed to sit just below the seven-figure mark, particularly when combined with his England EPS income.

That valuation reflects a career built on longevity and success. A prodigy who made his professional debut at just 16, Ford was named World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2011, has appeared in five Premiership finals, and lifted titles in 2013 and 2022. He has also featured in three Rugby World Cups for England.

Estimated earnings: ~£800,000–£1,000,000 per year
Club salary: ~£800,000
RFU hybrid arrangement / additional value: Potential to approach £1 million total package

At the very top of the Premiership’s salary ladder sits Saracens’ talismanic forward. Itoje is reported to earn around £800,000 per year, with some sources suggesting his overall package could approach £1 million when RFU hybrid arrangements and strong overseas interest are taken into account.

On the field, his stature is unmatched. The current England captain and most recent leader of the British & Irish Lions, Itoje has won five Premiership titles and three European crowns since turning professional in 2012. Having reached 100 international caps in 2025, his combination of durability, dominance and leadership makes him not only the Premiership’s highest-paid player, but arguably its most influential.