Henry Pollock, the 20-year-old Northampton Saints back row, made history during his debut for England by scoring two tries against Wales on March 15, 2025, solidifying his status as the youngest try scorer for England in the Six Nations. The match, held at the Principality Stadium, concluded with England dominating Wales, finishing at 68-14.
Pollock’s remarkable entrance not only thrilled the fans but also set a new record, surpassing the previous mark of 20 years and 96 days held by Henry Arundell when he scored for England against Italy in 2023.
Ben Curry, who was named man of the match, remarked on Pollock, saying, "He is going to be good, isn’t he?" This comment reflects not only Pollock's energy and agility on the field but also the overall team spirit as England put forth one of the most formidable performances of the tournament.
Coach Steve Borthwick had high hopes for Pollock, integrating him as part of his strategy to leverage youthful talent and energize the squad at the end of the Six Nations campaign. Pollock entered the game at the 49th minute, replacing Tommy Freeman, and wasted no time making his presence felt. His two tries both showcased his athleticism and quick decision-making prowess.
Addressing the media after the match, Pollock spoke about the inspiration he draws from watching young athletes excel, sharing, "It was mad watching Luke Littler do what he did at his age." His enthusiasm for the sport and his eagerness to succeed set him apart even among his contemporaries.
England's comprehensive win against Wales was particularly sweet, marking the largest score the Welsh team has ever conceded at home, eclipsing even the 55 points managed by New Zealand back in 2022. With ten tries scored and impeccable teamwork, this match turned out to be pivotal for England's hopes for the Six Nations title.
Pollock's first try came at the 67th minute when he expertly maneuvered through the tiring Welsh defense, utilizing support from teammates, particularly George Ford, who assisted the second try as Pollock capitalized on the opportunity at hand.
The excitement from Pollock would have undoubtedly swelled among family and friends attending, as spectators witnessed not just his first tries but also his captivating style of play and youthful ambition, signaling the arrival of a potential rugby star.
Borthwick’s tactics of fielding younger players and trusting them to perform at high-pressure situations is reminiscent of the approach taken by England during their glory days. Pollock’s energy and determination hark back to those traditions, showcasing how the new generation can shape the future of English rugby.
This match served as validation for the rigorous training and preparation Pollock underwent throughout his previous seasons, especially after leading the under-20 team to victory last summer. He has now firmly stepped onto the senior stage as both a player and role model.
Pollock’s impressive displays and the supportive environment at Northampton Saints, where he was mentored by former England captain Dylan Hartley, have allowed him to adapt and flourish. His evolution has been swift, yet this debut was the culmination of years of hard work.
Now, with the Six Nations behind him, Pollock sets his sight on future competitions, expressing his determination to grow as a player. With dreams of representing England on the Lions tour for the next decade, he aims to continuously contribute to his club and country.
Looking toward the horizon, Pollock's performance is undeniably just the beginning of what could be a remarkable career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this young player continues to develop within the competitive world of rugby.