Henry Pollock locked himself in a toilet for 20 minutes after Owen Farrell bombshell

Monday, 08 September 2025 at 11:22

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byRugby Rucker

at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.

England international Henry Pollock has revealed he locked himself in the bathroom for 20 minutes after finding out he’d be sharing a room with Owen Farrell on the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour.

The Northampton Saints flanker, just 20 years old at the time, was the youngest player in Andy Farrell’s squad that claimed a 2-1 series win over Australia. After a breakout Premiership season, Pollock’s meteoric rise saw him capped by England in the Six Nations before being called up to the Lions as a bolter.

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Despite his confident on-field persona, the back-row admitted that even he struggled when faced with the daunting prospect of living alongside England legend Farrell.

Speaking on

The Sports Agents podcast, host Gabby Logan recalled how Pollock told the story during a charity Q&A.

“I was doing a Q&A for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation,” explained Logan.

“Henry, as I’d introduced him, practically an amoeba, you know? He has achieved everything, in terms of playing for England, going on the Lions tour at the age of 20.

“He was brilliant at talking about what it is like to go on a Lions tour, especially as a kid, you know, as a 20-year-old. And he roomed first of all with Duhan van der Merwe.

“But then every few days they’re supposed to change. And every time he kept getting Duhan van der Merwe. And I don’t know whether there’s an administrative cock-up, but he’s supposed to get a new partner.”

Pollock, who has only one England cap to his name, had never previously shared a squad with Farrell, who stepped away from Test rugby in 2023.

Logan continued:

“Eventually, after three weeks, they gave him somebody else, and Duhan’s got a different room.

“And they’re both like, ‘Oh, we’ve actually become kind of best mates now’. So, he goes off, not knowing who’s in the room, opens the door, and Owen Farrell’s lying on the other bed in the room!

“And he just thinks, ‘Oh my God, it’s Owen Farrell! I’m such a rookie in this relationship!’

“So, he said, ‘Oh, hi.’ And Owen went, ‘Hi.’ And then he went to the toilet for 20 minutes and sat on the loo!

Logan summed it up perfectly:

“I love the fact that Henry’s perceived to be one of the most confident young sports people, probably in the whole nation. And even he had a kind of slight crisis of confidence in that moment about how to behave in front of Owen.”

Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial ‘Most Hated’ Rugby List

ith old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut — with one storming to the top of the list.

A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you

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#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)

A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.

That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.

RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”

#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)

Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours

Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.

Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It's sad his world-class talent isn't recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.

RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”

#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship

Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.

Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.

RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”

#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)

Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England

When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.

He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.

RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”

#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)

Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)

Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.

He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.

RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”

#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)

The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking

The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.

Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?

Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.

42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans

Now it's time to test your memory.