Henry Pollock open to all options as Northampton contract talks continue
Henry Pollock says he has not yet signed a new deal with Northampton Saints and is open to every opportunity, including playing abroad and trying other sports.
The 21-year-old England back-row forward — the loose forwards who lead the tackling and carrying around the ruck, the contest for the ball on the ground after a tackle — spoke about his future in an interview published on 14 September, The Guardian. He toured with the British & Irish Lions this summer.
Pollock said his current Northampton contract runs until the end of the year. The club have offered him more than £400,000 a year to stay until 2029, according to the same interview.
Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson said a new deal was not fully finalised but was getting closer. Dowson leads rugby strategy at Northampton.
The talks matter now because the season is almost here. Northampton will begin their title defence against Newcastle on 25 September.
Pollock is advised outside rugby by Eddie Hearn via Matchroom, who acts as his promoter. Hearn described Pollock as a seven-figure player in on-field and commercial terms.
That profile has been built fast. Pollock first joined Northampton’s academy system in his under-13 season after playing for Buckingham RUFC and Beachborough Prep School, Northampton Saints. He joined the Senior Academy in the summer of 2023 and signed his first professional contract ahead of the 2023/24 season.
He made his senior Saints debut aged 17 years and 256 days in 2022 against London Irish in the Premiership Rugby Cup. He scored two tries on his first club start against Saracens a week later. His Gallagher Premiership debut came off the bench against Leicester Tigers.
By December 2024, when Saints confirmed a multi-year extension, the then 19-year-old had made 16 senior appearances and scored six tries. He had captained Saints to the Premiership Rugby Under-18 Academy League final in 2023.
His international rise was just as quick. He won the Under-20 Six Nations with England and was named Player of the Championship as England completed a Grand Slam. He then won the World Rugby Under-20 Championship with England that year. He made his England A debut against Australia and was named man-of-the-match.
What makes this stand out is the breadth of what Pollock is willing to consider. Most contract talks centre on money and length. His words leave the door open to a different league, a different country or even a different sport.
For fans, this means no quick resolution. Saints want their young star tied down. Pollock is in no rush to close off options.
