Henry Pollock posts ‘diplomatic’ nine-word message while an ex-Saint leaps to his defence over ‘crazy the amount of s***’ Bordeaux fallout
Northampton's Henry Pollock
Henry Pollock has posted a nine-word social media message about Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final loss for Northampton in Cardiff.
The 20-year-old British and Irish Lions squad pick has featured heavily in the post-match fallout, with winners Bordeaux openly mocking the Saints forward by mimicking his semi-final ‘pulse check’ celebration.
Pollock was subjected to ‘foul play’ in the immediate aftermath of the full-time whistle at the Principality Stadium and the barbs continued in the post-match comments with Matthieu Jalibert alleging that the youngster had suggested Bordeaux were just a club of cash-hungry mercenaries.
Rather than pour fuel on this fire, Pollock took to Instagram on Sunday to briefly share his thoughts on the final. “Not meant to be, thank you for the support,” he wrote in a message accompanied by a saint emoji and four pictures.
It was a diplomatic response from the youngster after he negatively found himself the focus of so much attention from Bordeaux on a weekend where a French-based former Northampton teammate jumped to his defence online.
“Great bloke destined for greatness…”
Sam Matavesi exited Franklin’s Gardens in 2024 after helping the English club to Gallagher Premiership title glory in his final appearance. He now packs down at Lyon, who were beaten in the Challenge Cup final by Bath.
A starter in the quarter-final win at Ospreys, Matavesi didn’t play in Friday night’s decider but he had plenty to say about the treatment of Pollock the following afternoon when Saints lost out 20-28 to Bordeaux.
Posting on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the Fijian international wrote: “Thought Saints were unbelievable. What a group of players and staff. Crazy the amount of s*** Henry Pollock is getting from fans and UBB players mocking a 20YO. Surely we need players like him growing the game. What a player and what a bloke!”
In a follow-up message, Matavesi added: “I don’t agree that it’s self-inflicted, he’s being him. He wasn’t angry at losing yesterday, he was angry about being grabbed around the throat. He’s an unbelievable player who our kids want to emulate and he’s a great bloke destined for greatness.”
