It is not very often you have players surrounded by hype right out of their school days. Players all develop at different rates and many take different routes to get the professional game. England’s highest points scorer, Owen Farrell, first appeared for Saracens at the age of 17 whilst compatriot, George Ford, holds the record for the youngest player to make his professional debut at the age of 16. It is also easy to forget that Tom Curry made his senior England debut at the age of 18 whilst on the 2018 summer tour of Argentina. But now in an era of social media and increased online presences, players can attract unprecedented levels of attention.
Henry Pollock is one of the few to have garnered such support. Videos from his academy days at Northampton Saints and performances for Stowe School have propelled to him a never-before-seen status and most English supporters will now know his name. Now almost a year since signing his first professional contract last spring, Pollock has been taking names and establishing himself as a star. With some outstanding performances in the Northampton Saints U18s side, Pollock was given the captaincy for England U18s on their tour to South Africa whilst only 17 years old. The youngster earned the forward of the tournament award whilst in the southern hemisphere and has never looked back since, most notably becoming Saints’ youngest ever try scorer.
He is appearing to be a generational talent that will be part of a new era of young players within the English professional game. With fellow Saints’ teammates such as Archie McParland and Toby Cousins, there is a real opportunity for these players to take their chances. The arrival of the 2024 U20s Six Nations has provided that platform and Pollock has taken it superbly. He has three tries in two games and has secured back to back man of the match medals. His strong defence and strength in contact has been incredible despite his small stature in comparison to those flankers in the senior international teams. Pair that with his incredible try he scored whilst on loan in the Championship for Bedford Blues, Pollock is simply adept in most areas of the game.
This youngster is truly one of a kind but there have been countless players who have fallen out of the international picture despite having such a promising start to their careers. Danny Cipriani was long thought to be England’s next star player but after a few impressive performances on the international stage, he was cast into exile. Whilst a few off field issues did affect his career, his talent was wasted. James O’Connor is another who springs to mind. Another mercurial talent who went down the wrong road before re-emerging. He has not been able to hit the form that he was once was able to in his younger days.
Marcus Smith was another to receive a large amount of attention as he made his Harlequins debut at the age of 18 in 2017. Fresh out of Brighton College, he already had a huge reputation. He has made a huge name for himself but not without struggles during his career. Some injury setbacks and indecisive playmaking did cost him slightly during his early years and after a long awaited England debut, British and Irish Lions appearance and Gallagher Premiership champion, Smith has never looked back.
With all this in mind, it is hard to see Pollock fail to live up to the expectations that so many coaches and spectators have for him. He will inevitably play for the England senior team at this rate. But it is easy to forget he is only 19 years old. He has not started in the Premiership yet but with the departure of Lewis Ludlam to Toulon at the end of the season, he may get his chance to have an extended run in the side. Northampton Saints value him extremely highly and will be keen to further his development into a regular member of their squad. There is no doubt that he is a very special player and he will excel wherever his future career takes him. With years to go in his already successful career, it is time for graft and resilience until the rugby world is Pollock’s oyster.
The Match Report 