Henry Pollock could be banned after 'brutally mocking officials'
Rugby NewsSunday, 28 December 2025 at 11:25
Tommy Freeman ran riot at the Rec, bagging a hat-trick as Northampton Saints stormed past Bath 41-21 to seize top spot in the Premiership.
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England team-mate Henry Pollock added a brace, with Archie MacParland touching down as Saints ended Bath’s 11-game home winning streak.
Dominant from start to finish, Northampton had two more tries ruled out by the TMO but still racked up 27 unanswered points in the second half.
Bath’s only tries came from props Thomas du Toit (2) and Tom Dunn, leaving them second in the table after just their second defeat of the season.
Pollock’s celebration—mocking the TMO before his classic pulse-check—divided fans. One called it “Iconic,” another said: “There’s no need for this, it’s not soccer!” while a third demanded: “Mocking officials should be a penalty offence. Keep that out of rugby.”
Another fan said: "Pollock should be banned for mocking officials. Crazy actions,"
The 20 best young rugby players in the world (Ranked 20-1)
The best young rugby players are redefining the game with skill, power and fearlessness. Across every position, a wave of under-23 stars is already shaping the sport’s future — from explosive forwards to electric backs capable of changing matches in an instant.
Here are the 20 best young rugby players under 23 right now.
BEST YOUNG RUGBY PLAYERS:
20. Noah Caluori (England)
As a back-three winger, his aerial ability and foot speed make him an attacking weapon. He thrives under the high ball, launches incisive runs from wide, and provides his team with reliable finishing and counter-attacking options. He has burst onto the scene for Saracens this season, earning a call-up to the England squad.
19. Hassiem Pead (South Africa)
As a scrum-half, his quick hands, sharp decision-making, and high work rate make him a live wire around the breakdown. He combines sniping runs from the base with smart distribution, giving his side excellent rhythm and dynamism. He was outstanding at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship.
18. Zachary Porthen (South Africa)
In the front row, he marries brute strength with surprising mobility. Anchoring the scrum with authority, he also shows great work rate in open play — carrying powerfully and bringing a physical threat in tight channels. Recently played for the Springboks against Japan.
17. Emilien Gailleton (France)
Playing at centre, his composure and spatial awareness stand out. With crisp passing and a keen eye for gaps, he links play seamlessly, while his defensive discipline brings solidity to his midfield partnership.
16. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
In the back three, his acceleration, balance, and evasiveness define his attacking threat. Coupled with a strong defensive ethic, he merges pace with physicality and growing all-round game intelligence. Despite being injured for large portions of last season, he has returned to form impressively this year.
15. Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Occupying the second row, his leadership, physicality, and line-out mastery are key assets. With strong aerial skills and a constant presence at the breakdown, he imposes himself both in the set piece and in open play. Already a leader, captaining both Wales and Exeter Chiefs, Jenkins displays remarkable maturity.
14. Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
A lock with athleticism and endurance, his long strides and tireless work rate make him effective across the pitch. He brings defensive stability, cleans efficiently at the breakdown, and contributes on both sides of the ball. He had a strong summer with the All Blacks and doesn’t look out of place in the Test arena.
13. Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
Deployed at centre or on the wing, his direct running and gain-line breaking bring real attacking punch. With robust tackling and powerful finishing, he offers a balanced package in midfield. He’s starting to get more games for the Springboks and has impressed so far.
12. Henry Arundell (England)
In the back three, his speed and footwork are elite. A natural finisher with flair, he can score from distance and exploit space on the outside, while continuing to develop his all-round defensive and aerial skills.
11. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (England)
Through his front-row role, he combines raw strength with surprising mobility. He scrummages with impact, carries hard in traffic, and covers ground well for his position — an exciting forward prospect. He looks set to be a cornerstone of England’s front row for years to come.
10. Max Jorgensen (Australia)
Operating across the back three, his vision and handling under pressure stand out. He finds space, carries intelligently, and brings composure in attack, while reinforcing defensive coverage in wide channels. He always pops up in big moments and can hold his own against anyone.
9. Chandler Cunningham-South (England)
As a loose forward, his energy, tackling intensity, and carrying threat define his game. He arrives first at breakdowns, provides momentum in tight phases, and offers constant physicality across 80 minutes. Though still young, he shows maturity well beyond his years.
8. Pedro Rubiolo (Argentina)
At lock, he blends rugged defence with effective ball carrying. His work rate at the breakdown and ability to impose himself in contact make him a strong presence in both structured and chaotic play.
7. Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Serving in a playmaking role as fly-half, his tactical awareness and kicking variety shine. With composure in clutch moments and accuracy in execution, he orchestrates his team’s attack with maturity beyond his years. There are still some fine details to refine, such as his defence, but his potential is undeniable.
6. Peter Lakai (New Zealand)
A back-row forward, his balance of agility and strength allows him to strike in open play and dominate in contact. He links play, carries smartly, and finishes tackles with ruthless intent. He looks entirely at home in an All Blacks jersey — a testament to his quality.
5. Joseph Sua’ali’i (Australia)
Utilised across the back line, his athleticism, aerial dominance, and line-breaking ability make him dangerous. With a penchant for contact and offloading, the former league star brings X-factor to every role he plays. There’s still refinement to come, but his ceiling is sky-high.
4. Henry Pollock (England)
Operating as an openside flanker, his breakdown acumen, high tackle count, and turnover ability mark him out. He combines a relentless motor with game-reading skills to disrupt opponents and create attacking platforms. Unfazed by the spotlight, he lets his performances do the talking — both on and off the pitch.
3. Canan Moodie (South Africa)
As a winger, his spatial awareness, finishing instinct, and aerial confidence distinguish him. Calm in open play and composed under pressure, he’s developing into a polished, dependable asset for the Springboks. He turns 23 tomorrow — just young enough to make this list.
2. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)
A versatile backline playmaker, equally comfortable at fly-half or centre. His kicking, leadership, and decision-making have already earned him attention on the international stage, and he’s widely regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents.
1. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
Playing off the wing and across the back three, his creativity and attacking precision are exceptional. He is already Bordeaux’s top try-scorer after notching his 47th try for the club against Lyon OU this season. Also the top try-scorer in this year’s Six Nations, he added a brace in the Champions Cup semi-final — a truly outstanding prospect.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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