Henry Pollock commits future to Northampton Saints

HENRY POLLOCK COMMITS FUTURE TO NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 

Northampton Saints are delighted to confirm that young back row Henry Pollock has committed his future to the men in Black, Green and Gold by signing a multi-year contract extension.

At just 19 years old, Pollock has caught the eye already at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, after joining the Club’s Senior Academy in the summer of 2023 and making 16 senior appearances so far for Northampton across the Gallagher Premiership, Investec Champions Cup, and Premiership Rugby Cup competitions – scoring six tries along the way.

Meanwhile on the international stage, the flanker (who is also comfortable at No.8) won the World Rugby Under-20 Championship and the Under-20 Six Nations with England earlier this year – named as the Player of the Championship in the latter as England claimed a Grand Slam triumph.

His form for England Under-20 and Saints saw Pollock selected for an England A debut against Australia last month, where he was named man-of-the-match.

“Even coming through our Academy system, Henry had a big reputation, and he’s more than backed that up – not just in his performances, but more importantly in his attitude,” said Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“He’s clearly highly skilled and incredibly fit, but he works relentlessly and is always pushing himself to get better. We’re delighted to keep a character like him within our environment.

“Henry’s trajectory through our Academy system is also testament to the great work that Mark Hopley and the rest of that team put into discovering and producing young, talented players. He is the perfect example of our Academy working.

“The Henry that people see on the field on a matchday, the high-intensity style of play, that’s exactly how he trains. He drives energy within the group throughout the week. He’s ambitious and driven, and while Henry’s got a big personality, he’s got none of the negative ego that might come with the kind of external attention he’s already generated.

“There’s no doubt that he’s one of the best young prospects in the league, but Henry has really shown us that he’s committed to hard work and to self-improvement, so we’re excited to see how far he can go.”

Pollock first joined Northampton’s Academy system in his Under-13 season, after standout performances for Buckingham RUFC and Beachborough Prep School. A move to Stowe School beckoned and from there he captained Saints to the Premiership Rugby Under-18 Academy League final in 2023.

The back row then made his senior Saints debut aged just 17 years and 256 days in 2022, as Northampton faced London Irish in the Premiership Rugby Cup. Pollock took to senior rugby like a duck to water, scoring a brace of tries just one week later in his first Club start against Saracens.

After signing his first professional contract at Saints ahead of the 2023/24 season, Pollock claimed the Club’s Player of the Month award in September before a Gallagher Premiership debut followed when he came off the bench against Leicester Tigers at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

A second Player of the Month gong came in November this year following a series of impressive league and cup performances, with Pollock making [nine] appearances so far this season in Black, Green and Gold – including a try-scoring European debut earlier this month.

On signing an extension to his contract with Saints, Pollock said: “I’m very grateful to be able to sign on again here at my boyhood club, I’m loving how things are going at the minute.

“It’s been a really special experience for me, coming up through the system and now getting to play senior rugby for Saints. It’s something a lot of the current group have done and hopefully something lots of players get to do in the future – the Academy system is thriving here.

“Playing more senior rugby this season has been brilliant and to be able to do it with this group of players is special. I’ve enjoyed every minute so far and hopefully there’s much more of that to come.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who has been involved in getting me to where I am, but especially to my parents for everything they have done throughout my career, and to Will Parkin who coached me through Saints Academy and then with the England age groups – he taught me a lot about Saints and what it takes to play rugby at this level.

“Getting to run out at cinch Stadium is still a ‘pinch-me moment’ every time; the atmosphere is always incredible, and to have that support when you put the shirt on is something that never gets old.

“Looking forward, I’m ready for the next challenges ahead in a Saints shirt and I want to keep enjoying my rugby as much as possible.”