Henry Pollock signs new multi-year deal at boyhood club Northampton

Northampton Saints have confirmed that England star Henry Pollock, one of the game’s most recognisable figures, will remain at his boyhood club after signing a new long-term deal.

The Lions back row joined Saints four years ago as a 17-year-old schoolboy and became the first rugby player to join Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent agency earlier this year.

He could celebrate his new deal by making his 50th Saints appearance against Newcastle Red Bulls, who attempted to lure him away from Franklin’s Gardens this weekend.

Pollock said he is delighted to have signed a new deal with the Saints and to continue playing alongside some of his best mates, and he vowed never to take playing for the club for granted.

“I’m massively happy to re-sign with Saints, my boyhood club. It’s an exciting place to be right now. We’re in a great spot as a team, but it feels like there’s still so much more growth in us,” he said.

“I’m still young, and we’ve got a young squad with a brilliant group of lads. Some of my best mates are here, and every day everyone pushes each other to improve and be the best players and team we can be. For where I am in my career, this is exactly where I want to be.

“I feel like we’re only just getting started. We won the PREM last season, and we want to go again. Winning the Champions Cup is another huge ambition for us. We came so close a couple of years ago, and achieving that together would be incredibly special.

“I just want to enjoy every moment of this journey. I’m playing for my boyhood club, surrounded by great people, and that’s something I never take for granted. The connections within this group are what make it such a special place.

“Dows [Phil Dowson] and [Sam] Vesty have been brilliant for me. They demand high standards and push us hard, but they’ve created a great environment where everyone wants to improve and succeed together.

“I’m excited to keep working with them and to see where this team can go over the next few years. I also want to thank my mum, dad and the rest of my family for everything they’ve done for me. They’ve made so many sacrifices along the way, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.”

Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, said that he was delighted that the club have secured the future of Pollock, who was Man of the Match in last season’s Gallagher PREM Final victory over Exeter Chiefs.

“We’re delighted that Henry has committed his future to Saints. Over the last few years, everyone has seen the quality he brings on the pitch and the speed of his rise through the game – but just as importantly, he’s a young man of outstanding character.

“Keeping someone with both his talent and mindset is hugely important for the Club. What’s most exciting is that there’s still so much more to come from him. Henry is incredibly ambitious and constantly looking for ways to improve.

“He understands that individual success comes from contributing to a successful team, and he’s already taken on leadership responsibilities within the squad despite his age.

“Physically, he’s an exceptional athlete. He’s explosive, powerful and highly skilful, with the ability to influence a game in a number of different ways. But there are still areas of his game he can develop, and one of Henry’s greatest strengths is how quickly he learns and adapts.

“People sometimes underestimate how intelligent he is as a rugby player. When we sit down to review performances, he’s often identified the same things we were going to discuss before we’ve even raised them. His understanding of the game is excellent, and that gives him a huge platform to keep progressing.

“He’s become an important figure not just for Saints, but for the wider game. He inspires young supporters, brings excitement to rugby, and understands that everything off the pitch is built on performing consistently on it. We’re excited to see what he can achieve over the coming years.”