Northampton Saints lock in ‘one of best young prospects’ destined for England honours on ‘multi-year’ contract

Northampton Saints have signed up hugely promising back-row Henry Pollock to a new multi-year contract extension in a significant boost to the Premiership side.

The 19-year-old star has been outstanding for the Saints this campaign as his potential looks to be sky high following an impressive 16 first-team appearances to date.

Pollock, who joined the club’s Senior Academy ahead of 2023/24, has already featured in the Premiership, Champions Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup tournaments.

In fine form

An impressive return of six tries from those outings have caught the eye and his stunning solo crossing against Castres on December 7 went viral across social media.

Pollock has also impressed for England in their World Rugby U20 Championship and U20 Six Nations triumphs – crowned as Player of the Championship in the latter.

His form for England U20 and Northampton Saints saw Pollock selected for an England A debut against Australia last month, where he was named Player 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 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.

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“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 joined Northampton‘s Academy system in his U13 season and his meteoric rise resulted in making his first-team bow aged 17 in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

He has since embedded himself in Dowson’s matchday squad and started both their recent Champions Cup fixtures against Castres and the Bulls at openside flanker.

“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,” he said of his new deal.

“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.

Enjoying every minute

“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.”

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