‘You never know’ – Henry Pollock reveals he ‘supported Scotland’ and addresses prospect of future call-up despite England selection
Henry Pollock in action for England A and also Northampton Saints.
Northampton Saints sensation Henry Pollock insists that England is his ‘route one’ but has not ruled out switching allegiances further down the line.
The flanker, who can also play at number eight, was born and raised in England but, with two Scottish parents, his loyalty growing up was very much of a blue persuasion.
However, Pollock now finds himself in the Red Rose squad ahead of the Six Nations after an injury to Alex Dombrandt opened the door for him.
He made his way through the English pathways after joining Saints’ academy and starred for England U20s in 2024.
Age-grade world title
They claimed the World Rugby U20 Championship title and the back-rower has taken that form into this season, eventually being rewarded with a place in Steve Borthwick’s squad.
He could have chosen Scotland, though, and after revealing his lineage, ex-lock Jim Hamilton, who appeared 63 times for the Scots, gave him a ribbing on The Rugby Pod.
“You’re Scottish are you not?” Hamilton said.
“[Former Scotland flanker] John Barclay was born in Hong Kong, he’s not Chinese. If you were to be cut open, you’re bleeding blue.”
Pollock was then asked who he supported growing up and the 20-year-old did concede that his allegiances were with Scotland.
“When we were growing up, mum was kind of supporting England and dad was a patriotic Scot,” he said.
“I remember when we were younger, I will admit we used to support Scotland.”
The Saints star then told a story about watching Hamilton’s Scotland, which rather put the former second-row in his place.
“There was a game that I think you [Hamilton] were playing in which was a Sunday afternoon and I think it was Scotland playing Italy away. We lost pretty badly,” Pollock said.
“I remember just sitting there and asking my dad, ‘Does this happen every single time?’ My dad was like, ‘No, no, we’ll get a win soon’.
“I remember looking at him thinking he’s just full of s***.”
That then gave Andy Goode, who joined Hamilton on the podcast, the ammunition to chime in, jokingly saying: “So basically, James Hamilton, it’s your fault Henry Pollock wants to play for England.”
Any Scotland ambitions?
Pollock was then asked if he would consider playing for Scotland at some point down the line should it not work out with England.
“I think the England A game captured me for the next three years. For the next three years I will be trying to push for that England squad,” he responded.
“Route one would be England, that’s my goal, and then potentially, you never know, following in Jim’s footsteps.”
That then opened the door for Goode to aim another little dig in the direction of Hamilton, who was English-born and raised but represented Scotland.
“Jim Hamilton’s a prime example, if you ain’t good enough for England, go and play for Scotland,” the ex-England fly-half quipped.
