Rugby union analysis: Is Henry Pollock a future England legend, or a loud-mouthed flash in the pan?
With the 2026 Six Nations starting on Thursday, February 5, now could be an amazing time for the sport to grow and gain new fans.
This growth starts with the players, and there is one player above all who has caught the attention of the fans and press in recent times.
Henry Pollock is quickly becoming famous, but is it for all the wrong reasons?
Sports News Blitz writer Cameron Cleugh discusses how Pollock is bringing more attention to the sport - and why he is an overall net positive despite what some fans say.
The background
Henry Pollock is flashy, unapologetic and bold, but with a skill set to back it up. Some love him, some hate him, but there is no denying his athleticism and talent.
Pollock joined North Hampton Saints in 2022 at a shockingly early age of 17. Since then, he has gone on to become the youngest Six Nations try scorer, scored 10 tries in 22 appearances for the Northampton Saints and won multiple awards.
He is a genuine standout player, being able to play anywhere in the back row of the scrum, with whispers that his speed and endurance could see him make a move to the backs.
The controversy
It is no shock that in achieving all these things, Pollock caused quite a stir within the sport. However, there was one incident that would draw the attention of everyone.
On November 15, 2025, Pollock, alongside England team-mates Fin Smith, Freddie Steward, and Tommy Freeman, posted a TikTok dancing after a victory against The All Blacks.
Originally intended to be harmless, the social media backlash was huge as people did not see this as in keeping with the sports values and traditions.
The same goes for Pollock’s celebration of the pulse check, which was originally a football celebration used by Diogo Dalot, a move that also riled up fans.
It is not all negative from fans, however, as some do recognise Pollock for his genuine talent and just see him as a Kid having fun, which he is.
Rugby star Ellie Kildunne, who in her own right is doing massive things for women’s rugby, described Pollock as having “major younger brother vibes” and being “very misunderstood.”
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The future
While some of Henry Pollock’s traits may seem new and scary to some, it is arguable that he stands for the future of the sport.
If rugby cannot adapt to modern times, then it is sure to die out, which is not what anyone wants to see.
Bringing the game to social media and giving the players real personalities can build such a huge fan base for the sport that may not interact with it via traditional means.
If we use MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) as a case study, we see just how valuable social media promotion is.
Both the fighters themselves and Dana White, the UFC’s CEO, have really tapped into the power of marketing and promoting the athletes and, by extension, the sport.
The same idea applies to the NFL’s recent explosion outside the United States also a byproduct of social media.
If we extrapolate this to rugby, Pollock could be the first of many players who go against the grain and give the sport a fresh look.
It is not just Pollock, though. England team-mate Ellis Genge has been making waves both on and off the pitch, being one of the hardest ball carriers of recent times as well as speaking out against rugby's class problem.
To conclude, if rugby wants to stay relevant, it must start appealing to a new audience and having more star power in the sport.
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