'One of the best young prospects' Henry Pollock pens new deal

Northampton Saints flanker Henry Pollock has signed a “multi-year” contract extension with the club.

The 19-year-old has already made 16 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership champions, starting in their opening two victories in the Investec Champions Cup this season.

This caps a breakthrough calendar year for the rising star of English rugby, who not only won a Grand Slam and a World Rugby U20 Championship title this year – starting in the final against France in July – but was also crowned player of the match in England A’s victory over Australia A in November.

With a number of England’s back-rows tipped to make the British and Irish Lions squad next summer, Pollock could well see himself earning his first England cap in July.

Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson has described the flanker as “one of the best young prospects in the league,” so this is a significant piece of business for the club moving forward.

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“I’m very grateful to be able to sign on again here at my boyhood club, I’m loving how things are going at the minute,” Pollock said after signing.

“It’s been a really special experience for me, coming up through the system and now getting to play senior rugby for Saints. It’s something a lot of the current group have done and hopefully something lots of players get to do in the future – the Academy system is thriving here.

“Playing more senior rugby this season has been brilliant and to be able to do it with this group of players is special. I’ve enjoyed every minute so far and hopefully there’s much more of that to come.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who has been involved in getting me to where I am, but especially to my parents for everything they have done throughout my career, and to Will Parkin who coached me through Saints Academy and then with the England age groups – he taught me a lot about Saints and what it takes to play rugby at this level.

“Getting to run out at cinch Stadium is still a ‘pinch-me moment’ every time; the atmosphere is always incredible, and to have that support when you put the shirt on is something that never gets old.

“Looking forward, I’m ready for the next challenges ahead in a Saints shirt and I want to keep enjoying my rugby as much as possible.”

Dowson added: “Even coming through our Academy system, Henry had a big reputation, and he’s more than backed that up – not just in his performances, but more importantly in his attitude.

“He’s clearly highly skilled and incredibly fit, but he works relentlessly and is always pushing himself to get better. We’re delighted to keep a character like him within our environment.

“Henry’s trajectory through our Academy system is also testament to the great work that Mark Hopley and the rest of that team put into discovering and producing young, talented players. He is the perfect example of our Academy working.

“The Henry that people see on the field on a matchday, the high-intensity style of play, that’s exactly how he trains. He drives energy within the group throughout the week. He’s ambitious and driven, and while Henry’s got a big personality, he’s got none of the negative ego that might come with the kind of external attention he’s already generated.

“There’s no doubt that he’s one of the best young prospects in the league, but Henry has really shown us that he’s committed to hard work and to self-improvement, so we’re excited to see how far he can go.”