Henry Pollock, a flanker for Northampton Saints, has expressed his overwhelming joy regarding his recent selection for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, describing it as “the best day of his life.” At just 20 years old, Pollock’s journey in rugby has been nothing short of meteoric. He began the year by representing England in the Under-20 Six Nations and has swiftly earned a spot in coach Andy Farrell’s prestigious 38-member squad, which was announced on a Thursday.
His ascent in the rugby ranks has been impressive, especially following a standout performance where he scored two tries on his England senior debut against Wales in March. Additionally, Pollock played a crucial role as Northampton Saints reached the final of the Investec Champions Cup on the 24th of May. His rapid rise in the sport reflects not only his skill but also his dedication and hard work.
In an interview with BBC Look East, Pollock shared his disbelief and pride in being named a British and Irish Lion, stating, “It sounds mad to say I am a British and Irish Lion. I am honoured and can’t really believe it.” He vividly recounted that after the squad announcement was made, he was immediately surrounded by excited teammates who jumped on him in celebration. This heartwarming moment is etched in his memory: “It was a feeling I will never forget. It was probably the best day of my life,” emphasized Pollock, underscoring the significance of this milestone.
At the event’s announcement, the venue, Indigo, located within London’s O2 Arena, erupted into cheers as Pollock’s name was read out, marking him as the youngest player in the squad. He had previously clinched the World Rugby Under-20 Championship with England in July and made his first Premiership start just two months prior, showcasing a remarkable trajectory for such a young athlete.
Pollock has consistently proven his ability on the field, culminating in an outstanding solo try during a recent Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster in Dublin, where he displayed impressive speed and dexterity by outmaneuvering renowned Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast. His performance exemplified his readiness to take on the physical demands of international rugby.
In the squad formation, Pollock was joined by three fellow Northampton Saints players: Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell, and Fin Smith, facilitating a collaborative environment amongst teammates. Reflecting on the emotional impact of his selection, Pollock shared a humorous anecdote about trying to reach his mother post-announcement, only for her to initially miss his call. However, when he ultimately connected with his parents, he found them overwhelmed with joy: “They were balling their eyes out crying,” he recounted, amplifying his happiness in making them proud.
Pollock’s selection process was competitive, as he outperformed notable contenders like Toulouse’s Jack Willis, Sale Sharks’ Ben Curry, and Rory Darge of Scotland. Andy Farrell expressed no reservations about selecting Pollock, highlighting his all-action display against Leinster, where he proved he could compete with established players who also made the Lions tour.
Moving forward, Pollock is aware of the stiff competition awaiting him in the back row, with veteran players like Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier from Ireland, England’s Tom Curry and Ben Earl, and Wales captain Jac Morgan in the mix. Despite this formidable lineup, Pollock remains optimistic, eager to showcase his unique contributions to the team. “It is the pinnacle of the sport and everything that you work for and want to achieve in rugby,” he reflected, noting his commitment to being authentic and hoping to offer a distinct “X-factor” to the squad during the tour.
In summary, Henry Pollock’s selection for the British and Irish Lions is a reflection of his skill, determination, and rapid ascent in rugby. As he prepares for this exciting opportunity, his positive energy and eagerness to contribute to the team’s success shine through.