Statement: Complaint filed over ‘Henry Pollock incident’ after Champions Cup final

Rugby News
Saturday, 24 May 2025 at 20:22
screenshot 2025 05 24 at 202134
Northampton boss Phil Dowson weighed in on the post-match scuffle, calling the incident “uncalled for and out of order” after Henry Pollock appeared to be grabbed by the throat following Saints’ defeat to Bordeaux-Begles in the Investec Champions Cup final.
A fracas erupted after the final whistle at the Principality Stadium, with Bordeaux sealing a 28-20 win.
“There was a fracas at the end, there was foul play involved,” Dowson said.
“I have been assured that the touch judge has seen it and will deal with it appropriately.
“Henry Pollock was particularly upset by it because I think it was uncalled for and out of order. He reacted, and the officials have told me that they will deal with it.”
Saints’ England fly-half Fin Smith added: “They were after him (Pollock). I don’t think they liked him. He will be alright.
“I remember they (Bordeaux players) all sort of charged at him and were trying to get hold of him.
“I am surprised if you have just won a European Cup, the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old. I felt that was interesting.”

EDITORS PICKS:

BEST RUGBY FREE AGENTS:

With the transfer market heating up, we've scoured the rugby world to build a free-agent dream team. These are the best unattached players currently on the market – stacked with international pedigree, World Cup experience, and raw power waiting for the right deal.

Back Three

Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)
Wales and Lions legend. A metronomic boot, safe under the high ball, and still one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game.
Liam Williams (Saracens)
The 'Bomb Defuser' is fearless in the air and electric in open play. A British & Irish Lion with big-game pedigree.
Santiago Cordero (Connacht)
Argentina's elusive wizard. Lightning feet, low centre of gravity – a nightmare for defenders on the wing or at fullback.

Centres

Lennox Anyanwu (Harlequins)
A breakout talent with serious attacking flair and physical presence. One for the future – if he lands in the right setup.
Chris Harris (Gloucester)
One of the most reliable defensive centres in Europe. A rock for Scotland and a Lions tourist in 2021.
Will Addison (Sale Sharks)
Versatile, classy, and smart. Can slot in across the backline. Injuries have slowed him, but still bags of talent to offer.

Fly-Halves

Jimmy Gopperth (Provence)
Veteran Kiwi playmaker. 41 years old and still pulling strings with his game management and goalkicking nous.
Billy Burns (Munster)
An Ireland international with Super Rugby heritage. Classy distributor and calm under pressure.
Freddie Burns
Clutch drop-goal hero in Leicester’s 2022 Premiership title win. A wildcard 10 with a golden boot and a point to prove.

⚡ Scrum-Halves

Ali Price (Edinburgh)
A British & Irish Lion with pace, sharp service, and attacking instincts. Still plenty to offer at the top level.
Conor Murray (Munster)
Ireland’s legendary No.9. Over 100 caps and a tactical maestro. Slower these days, but leadership is priceless.
Ratko Jelic (Zebre)
Italian-qualified and showing promise. Not a household name yet, but clubs looking long-term should take note.

?️ Props

Mayco Vivas (Gloucester)
Powerhouse Argentine loosehead. Still young and coming into his prime. Brings scrum stability and South American steel.
Paula Latu (Dragons)
Tongan bulldozer. Aggressive in the carry and an underrated scrummager. Low-cost, high-impact option.
Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh)
Welsh tighthead with international experience and a reputation for scrum dominance. Solid and dependable.

Hookers

Julian Montoya (Leicester Tigers)
Pumas skipper. World-class set-piece operator and ferocious at the breakdown. Arguably the top hooker available.
Agustin Creevy (Benetton)
42 and still going strong. A leader, an enforcer, and an asset in the locker room.
Luca Bigi (Zebre)
Former Italy captain. Great throw, good work rate, and no-nonsense attitude. Ready-made depth for any club.

Second Row

Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks)
England international with top-tier Premiership and Lions experience. Brings muscle and an edge.
Adam Beard (Ospreys)
6’8” Welshman with a high work rate and line-out savvy. Offers grunt and leadership in equal measure.
Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks)
Versatile lock/back-row hybrid. Explosive ball-carrier and dominant in collisions.

Back Row

Zach Mercer (Gloucester)
Former England No.8. Huge in the Top 14, and now a dynamic, offloading force. Deserves another Test shot.
Nathan Hughes (Black Rams Tokyo)
A wrecking ball at his best. Former England international with elite power and strong Super Rugby credentials.
Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester)
Underrated dynamo. Ball-carrying machine and relentless tackler. South African steel meets Premiership polish.

Quiz! Can you name every club that has played in the Premiership?

London Welsh were the last new team to play in the Gallagher Premiership back in 2011 – can you name the others?
You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.
It’s more difficult than it sounds.
Good luck, and let us know how you do
loading

Loading