Eddie Jones has tipped Henry Pollock to play a key role in the British and Irish Lions' upcoming tour of Australia. Lions head coach Andy Farrell is currently handling his last selection headaches as he prepares to announce his final 37-man squad tomorrow, ahead of his side’s trip Down Under in June. One decision which will likely have been weighing heavily on Farrell's mind is whether rising star Pollock merits a seat on the plane.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough season with Northampton Saints, playing a leading part in his side's run to the Champions Cup final. Pollock's exploits at club level have also earned him international recognition as he won his first England cap against Wales during the Six Nations. He more than acquitted himself on the big stage, coming off the bench to score two tries on his debut.
Aged 20 years and 60 days, the starlet became the Red Rose's youngest-ever try scorer in Six Nations history, surpassing the previous record held by Henry Arundell, who was 20 years and 96 days when he scored against Italy in 2023. Pollock's sparkling form has led to suggestions he could be a potential Lions 'bolter' - a player who earns an unexpected call-up. And former England and Australia head coach Jones was quick to back up these calls, insisting the youngster could be a valuable addition to Farrell's squad.
Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, he said: "I think it's always nice when you've got a bigger squad to have one or two guys that you know are just going to rip it and tear, [they're] not worried about reputation and have got nothing to lose. Most read in Rugby Union. And Pollock, from what I've seen, seems to be that sort of player. He just plays with enormous amounts of energy and he's got pace, which in Australia, when you're playing on hard track, is quite important. So he can certainly be an important player in the squad."
Jones joined Ally McCoist and Alan Brazil on air having recently agreed to join talkSPORT's coverage team for the network's exclusive audio coverage of the Lions' tour of Australia. While he was vocal about hoping to see Pollock in action when he takes to the studio for the start of the prestigious test series on June 28, the young Englishman has been coy when discussing his chances.
Pollock produced a dazzling display in the Saints' 37-34 Champions Cup semi-final victory over Leinster on Saturday. With this his last opportunity to prove his credentials to Farrell, the young Englishman duly stepped up, scoring a stunning solo try which saw him run from the halfway line before touching down. But when quizzed on his hopes of becoming the Lions' youngest tourist this summer, Pollock admitted this was out of his hands.
He told reporters after the Leinster match: “I’ve thought about it, but at the end of the day, you can’t control it. It’s subjective. It would be an honour to be able to go on that plane and represent the Lions, but if it’s not this year, then I’m sure I’ll be able to bounce back and pick myself up. It’s not up to me, it’s up to the Lions coaches. So I’ll be waiting at the same time as you, I guess.”
Pollock has scored more tries and beaten more defenders than any other forward in the Champions Cup this season, and has made more tackles and secured more turnovers than any other player full stop. His emergence has garnered attention not only from fans but also from rugby legends. Bryan Habana and Sean Fitzpatrick have both backed Pollock as a deserving candidate for the Lions squad.
Habana, who starred for South Africa when they beat the Lions 2-1 in 2009, commented, "Looking at his current form, he can only add value to this Lions team. He’s playing phenomenal rugby at the moment. The absolute exhilaration of youth is something that is really the buy-in for him — the manner in which he enjoys the battle of the breakdown, the way he involves himself in the game, the lack of fear, not only for his body, but in terms of everything he does."
Fitzpatrick, a legendary All Blacks captain, echoed these sentiments, stating, "He’s a bit of a character — and he can play too. You need personalities in those environments because it is a tough tour. They're going to need two in every position with the same sort of quality and Pollock could be one of those. It will be fun."
As Farrell prepares to announce the squad tomorrow, Pollock’s name is likely to be among the most discussed. The anticipation is palpable, especially after the recent performances that have solidified his place as a key player for Northampton Saints, who will face Bordeaux-Begles in the Champions Cup final on May 24, 2025.
Former England and Lions centre Will Greenwood added to the chorus of support, saying it would be a "shock" if Pollock isn’t included in the squad. This sentiment reflects the growing consensus that Pollock is more than just a potential selection; he is a player who could make a significant impact on the tour.
With the Lions' tour set to commence in June, Pollock’s journey from a promising young talent to a potential star on the international stage is a testament to his hard work and dedication. As the clock ticks down to the squad announcement, all eyes will be on Pollock, who has already proved he can shine under pressure.
As fans eagerly await the final roster, the excitement surrounding Pollock's prospects continues to build. Will he be the surprise inclusion that fans and pundits alike are hoping for? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Henry Pollock has emerged as a name to watch in the world of rugby.
