With every passing week, one thing becomes increasingly clear—Henry Pollock, despite his youth and limited experience, could be heading to play for the Lions this summer.
It’s a prediction that’s growing more likely, especially after his recent standout performance in the Premiership.
A Rising Star from Northampton
Pollock, a 20-year-old back-row talent from Northampton, has been turning heads in rugby circles.
Despite only having one Test cap and limited senior-level experience, his exceptional skills and unique playing style have made him impossible to ignore.
This year, as the Lions are on the lookout for fresh talent, Pollock has become a prime candidate—his ability to perform at such a high level at such a young age has made him a classic “bolter” in rugby terms.
Pollock’s Stunning Solo Try Against Sale
Last Friday night in Salford, Pollock did something no one expected—he scored a jaw-dropping solo try that quickly went viral.
After receiving a pass, Pollock powered through a gap, evaded defenders like Tom Curry and Luke Cowan-Dickie, chipped the ball over Gus Warr, and won the chase to regather and score.
The try was a work of individual brilliance and highlighted his incredible athleticism and flair, leaving fans and coaches alike calling for his fast-tracking to the Lions.
A Competitive Back-Row Environment
While Pollock’s talent is undeniable, there’s one major obstacle standing in his way: the sheer depth of talent in the back-row positions across the home nations.
England, for example, boasts a wealth of experienced players in the same position, especially when it comes to opensides.
But Pollock isn’t the type to wait around.
Even if he’s not named in the initial Lions squad when it’s announced on May 8, he’s still in with a chance—his continued performances could force his way into the squad.
A Key Opportunity to Impress
There are several upcoming international matches that could offer Pollock the chance to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
England plays a France XV at Twickenham on June 21, which falls just a day after the Lions’ pre-tour clash with Argentina.
If Pollock is available and performs well, it could be another opportunity to impress Lions head coach Andy Farrell.
With the Lions’ series against Australia starting on July 26, Pollock’s performances in June could influence selection decisions.
The X-Factor Pollock Brings to the Table
Pollock’s try against Sale was not just an ordinary moment of brilliance—it was a demonstration of what sets him apart from other back-rowers.
Players like Wales captain Jac Morgan, Ben Earl, and the Curry twins are all exceptional, but none of them possess Pollock’s speed and ability to deliver a chip-and-chase try like the one he scored.
His athleticism and pace make him a rare talent in his position, and every time he steps on the field, he raises the bar for what’s possible.
The Lions’ Need for Game-Changers
Pollock’s playing style isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about making an impact and changing games.
As Tommy Freeman, his Saints and England teammate, put it, Pollock is “different gravy.”
Northampton’s director of rugby, Phil Dowson, echoed this sentiment, praising Pollock’s potential to make a real difference.
If Andy Farrell is looking for someone who can bring an X-factor to the Lions, Pollock is a prime candidate.
Can Pollock Force His Way onto the Lions Squad?
Some may argue that Pollock is already on the radar for a potential Lions spot, even if he hasn’t yet made the official list of contenders.
While it’s still early to make bold predictions, his remarkable performances suggest that he’s already in the conversation.
Historically, players have made the leap to the Lions squad despite limited experience, and Pollock’s rising star could follow a similar trajectory.
Experience May Not Be Pollock’s Strongest Suit, But His Talent Is Unmatched
While Pollock may lack the pedigree of some of the other contenders for the Lions squad, his unique blend of talent and potential cannot be overlooked.
Farrell is known for his pragmatic approach to squad selection, and while experience is crucial, Pollock’s exceptional performances are starting to make a compelling case for his inclusion.
As the summer tour draws nearer, it feels increasingly likely that Pollock’s name will be in the mix when the final squad is announced, even if he is not one of the initial selections.
His potential is undeniable, and if given the opportunity, he could prove to be a game-changer for the Lions in Australia.
Christian Wade’s Hat-Trick and the Premiership Milestone
While Pollock’s rise has been the talk of the rugby world, there’s another English player making headlines—Christian Wade.
The 33-year-old Gloucester wing recently scored his seventh Premiership hat-trick, bringing him closer to a league try-scoring record.
With 89 tries to his name, Wade is on the verge of breaking the all-time record of 101, currently held by Chris Ashton.
Though Wade’s dream of playing for England again may be over, his continued success in the Premiership adds a significant chapter to his storied career.
As he approaches the try-scoring milestone, Wade is showing that age is just a number, and his lethal finishing ability remains as sharp as ever.
RFU’s Challenge: Turning Words into Action
The RFU has faced a period of unrest, but as they begin to restore order, it’s clear that there’s much work to be done.
With challenges ranging from falling participation numbers to a lack of investment in grassroots rugby, the RFU must follow through on promises of governance reform and greater transparency.
As the game continues to evolve, the RFU must remain proactive in addressing the issues that threaten its growth.
Tough Tests for English Sides in the Champions Cup
The Champions Cup is heating up as English clubs prepare for some tough away matches.
Harlequins will face Leinster in Dublin, while Sale takes on Toulouse.
Saracens, too, may struggle without key players like Maro Itoje against Toulon.
While the competition remains fierce, teams like Northampton and Leicester will look to make their mark as they push toward the quarterfinals.
The Dominance of England’s Women’s Rugby Team
Finally, England’s women’s rugby team continues to dominate, with a 67-12 victory over Wales that highlights their superiority in the Six Nations.
With a seventh consecutive title on the horizon, England’s women remain a formidable force, but the real challenge will come in the World Cup this autumn.
If other nations invest more in the women’s game, we may finally see a competitive edge in future tournaments.