Henry Pollock open to playing abroad and switching sports as Northampton contract talks continue

Henry Pollock has revealed he is open to playing abroad and even switching sports altogether, while simultaneously closing in on a new contract with Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints.

The 21-year-old England and Lions flanker made the admission after signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency, which has broadened his commercial profile considerably. Hearn told Northampton in August that Pollock is “certainly a seven-figure player” given the commercial appeal he carries — a valuation the young back-row says he takes as motivation rather than pressure.

“I definitely want to go and live in different countries, explore new sports, explore new avenues,” Pollock told reporters. “I’m not going to say no to any opportunity.”

Despite the wide-ranging ambition, Pollock was clear that rugby holds his full attention for now. “At the minute rugby is my main priority so I’m focusing on that in the near future, but as I said, you never know what’s happening around the corner.”

He was effusive about Hearn’s influence on his career, crediting the promoter with opening doors well beyond the rugby field. “Eddie’s been great for me and he’s given me so many avenues to get into,” Pollock said. “The way that he can give me access to loads of different stuff has been amazing. I have no bad words about him. The sport of rugby needs to change and hopefully this is a change.”

Pollock’s contract negotiations with Northampton are described as advanced, suggesting the Saints are confident of retaining their prized asset in the near term. Whether overseas clubs in France’s Top 14, Super Rugby franchises, or interests from entirely different sports act on his openness to new challenges remains to be seen — but Pollock has made clear he intends to keep all options on the table as his career develops.