Henry Pollock’s reaction to being benched by England says a lot

Friday, 10 July 2026 at 19:01

bySteven Smith

Henry Pollock has responded to being left on the England bench against Fiji in the best possible way — by scoring a wonder try in training.

The Northampton Saints star was again named among the replacements for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium, a decision that has left plenty of supporters frustrated.

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Pollock was one of England’s brightest performers during a difficult Six Nations campaign, but Steve Borthwick has once again opted against handing the 21-year-old a starting role.

However, the back-row sensation appears determined to let his rugby do the talking.

Footage from England training showed Pollock producing a stunning individual effort, bursting through the defence before leaving Marcus Smith behind with ease and racing away to score.

The clip quickly caught the attention of supporters, with many questioning how much more the explosive Saints star needs to do to earn a place in the starting XV.

Pollock has become one of the biggest names in English rugby over the past 18 months following his rapid rise with Northampton, England and the British & Irish Lions.

For now, though, he will have to wait for his opportunity against Fiji.

His response to the disappointment certainly says a lot.

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Henry Pollock try.

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5:53 PM · Jul 10, 2026

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England make two changes for Fiji

Steve Borthwick has made two personnel changes to the starting XV following last weekend’s defeat against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Henry Slade and Guy Pepper come into the side, while Tommy Freeman switches back to the wing after starting at outside centre against the Springboks.

Marcus Smith continues at full-back, with Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso completing the back three.

Slade returns at outside centre alongside Seb Atkinson, while Fin Smith continues at fly-half with Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half.

In the pack, Pepper replaces Tom Curry and joins Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl in the back-row.

Alex Coles and George Martin continue in the second-row, with captain Jamie George packing down between Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes.

The biggest selection news comes on the bench, where uncapped trio George Kloska, Benhard Janse van Rensburg and teenage sensation Noah Caluori could all make their Test debuts.

Pollock is also named among the replacements and will once again be expected to provide impact in the second half.

England team to face Fiji

15. Marcus Smith
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Henry Slade
12. Seb Atkinson
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
10. Fin Smith
9. Jack van Poortvliet

1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George (c)
3. Joe Heyes
4. Alex Coles
5. George Martin
6. Guy Pepper
7. Ollie Chessum
8. Ben Earl

Replacements

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
18. George Kloska
19. Tom Curry
20. Henry Pollock
21. Alex Mitchell
22. Benhard Janse van Rensburg
23. Noah Caluori

LATEST RUGBY NEWS

Henry Pollock: 15 facts as England flanker smashes another record

Here are 15 facts you may not know about rugby's hottest property.

1. Youngest-ever Peter Deakin Medal winner

Pollock became the youngest player ever to win the Peter Deakin Medal, awarded to the Gallagher PREM Final Player of the Match, after starring in Northampton's victory over Exeter Chiefs.

2. He's only 21 years old

Despite already being one of the biggest names in English rugby, Pollock is still only 21 and has his best years ahead of him.

3. He made his Saints debut at 17

Pollock made his senior Northampton Saints debut in September 2022 while still a teenager.

4. He came through the Saints academy

The back-row star rose through Northampton's academy system after developing his game at Buckingham RUFC and Stowe School.

5. He helped England win the U20 World Championship

Pollock played a key role in England's World Rugby U20 Championship triumph and was widely regarded as one of the standout players of the tournament.

6. He scored twice on his England debut

The flanker announced himself on the international stage by scoring two tries on his England debut against Wales.

7. He became a British & Irish Lion incredibly early

Pollock earned selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour after just a handful of Test appearances, underlining how highly he is rated.

8. He holds a Gallagher PREM carrying record

According to Oval Insights, Pollock averaged more metres carried per 80 minutes than any back-row player in Premiership history.

9. He was Northampton's youngest professional-era try scorer

Pollock became Saints' youngest try scorer of the professional era when he crossed the whitewash during the early stages of his career.

10. He's one of rugby's biggest personalities

Whether it's his celebrations, confidence or social media presence, Pollock has become one of the sport's most recognisable young stars.

11. He comes from a family of elite athletes

Sport runs through the Pollock family. His mother, Hester, was a national-level triathlete, while his father John also competed at a high level.

12. His sister is a rising athletics star

Pollock's sister, Zoe, is making a name for herself in the United States as a talented 400m hurdler at the University of Georgia.

13. He could have played for Scotland

Despite becoming an England international, Pollock qualified for Scotland through both of his parents.

14. He started out as a scrum-half

Before becoming one of the most exciting back-row forwards in world rugby, Pollock actually began his rugby journey at scrum-half.

15. He's already worth millions

Following his Northampton Saints contract extension, England enhanced elite contract and several lucrative sponsorship agreements, Pollock's net worth is believed to be between £1.5 million and £2 million.

At just 21 years of age, Pollock is already breaking records and collecting silverware. If his current trajectory continues, the Northampton and England star could go on to become one of the defining players of his generation.

QUIZ: Can you name every Premiership winning captain since 2000?

Think you know your rugby history? This quiz will test your memory and knowledge of the game’s leaders — your task is simple: name every Premiership Rugby–winning captain since 2000.

From legendary skippers who lifted multiple trophies to surprise champions who made history, see if you can recall them all. Get ready to scrum down and show off your Premiership pedigree!

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