Henry Pollock opens up on 'wind-up merchant' tag

The 21-year-old has quickly developed a reputation as one of rugby's biggest agitators.

His showboating, constant chat and willingness to bait opponents have led many to label him a "wind-up merchant", making him one of the sport's most divisive young figures.

Away from the attention, Pollock continues to establish himself as one of England's brightest prospects. He became the youngest try-scorer in England's Six Nations history and has emerged as a key figure in the future plans of both Northampton Saints and England.

Off the field, he is now part of Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency, becoming the first rugby player to be part of the boxing promoter's stable.

Pollock was influential in Saints' semi-final victory over Leicester Tigers last Friday, thriving in a game that frequently gave him opportunities to attack in space.

He carried relentlessly throughout the contest, making significant metres through contact from an outstanding 26 carries. He also impressed with his work at the breakdown, another area that has become a hallmark of his game.

While many believe Pollock enjoys provoking opposition players and supporters, the back-rower insists that it is not something he consciously sets out to do.

"I don't enjoy it, I just think it's part of my game. It's something that comes with me and my personality."

Pollock's confrontational style often attracts attention from opponents, but he believes that can work to his team's advantage. He also admits that the physical edge created by those situations brings out the best in him.

"There's two sides of it, if they're trying to target me then there's going to be space elsewhere on the pitch and I do like the aggression side of the game therefore I do think it gets the best out of me in terms of being in and around contact and collisions, that's where I'm at my best."

The young flanker has become accustomed to hostile receptions wherever he plays. During Northampton's meetings with Champions Cup winners Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Pollock was regularly booed by sections of the crowd.

Bordeaux players also mocked him during their post-match celebrations following last season's final, while fly-half Matthieu Jalibert accused Northampton of showing a lack of respect towards their opponents.

Despite the growing attention surrounding his reputation, Pollock says he remains focused on his own responsibilities rather than thinking about being 'rent-free' in people's heads.

"I don't think about it too much. Potentially you could say that but I'm very focused on my role and the rest that comes happens naturally."

Since rugby turned professional in 1995, England have had a host of captains lead the team through World Cups, Grand Slams, Lions tours and some of the biggest moments in the sport's history.

From World Cup-winning legends to short-term stand-ins, how many England captains of the professional era can you name?

You have five minutes to name them all. Good luck!?