Henry Pollock apologies to Eddie Hearn days after shock move
Rugby NewsTuesday, 31 March 2026 at 19:09
Eddie Hearn has revealed that rising rugby star Henry Pollock messaged him immediately after his on-air blunder during a post-match interview on TNT Sports at the weekend.
The boxing promoter, now making his first serious move into rugby, has been outspoken about his ambitions for both Pollock and the sport — and it’s clear the viral “Matchmaking” moment hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm.
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Matchroom move signals bold new direction
Pollock officially signed with Hearn’s sports management arm, Matchroom Sport, last week, becoming the agency’s first rugby client.
Hearn has made it clear this is more than just a standard representation deal — it’s part of a wider plan to reshape rugby’s visibility.
“I watched this kid and I immediately thought: superstar,” Hearn said after the signing, adding he believes Pollock could “single-handedly ignite this sport.”
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“Matchmaking” moment goes viral
Fresh from helping Northampton Saints beat Saracens, Pollock’s post-match interview took a humorous turn.
After being asked about his boxing-style try celebration by Danny Care, Pollock replied:
“Obviously, massively happy to sign with Eddie and Matchmaking…”
Quick to correct him, Ugo Monye interjected: “They’re called Matchroom, not Matchmaking!”
Pollock laughed it off — but was quick to message Hearn afterwards.
Text from the dressing room — and Hearn’s response
Pollock contacted Hearn straight from the changing room, referencing the slip.
Hearn’s response summed up his relaxed approach:
“I was like, ‘Mate, leave the bulls**t to me’.”
It’s a relationship already built on personality — something Hearn believes rugby has been missing.
“We need him everywhere” — Hearn’s media masterplan
Hearn has been unusually candid about rugby’s shortcomings when it comes to promotion, insisting the sport lacks star power and storytelling.
“The problem with rugby is that they have no vision,” he said, describing it as a sport with “so much potential” but limited mainstream appeal.
His solution? Turn Pollock into a household name.
“Over the next three or four weeks, you are probably going to get quite bored of seeing Henry Pollock everywhere.”
“We need him on every mainstream chat show, every major sports outlet.”
Hearn even floated appearances alongside major celebrities, referencing sitting “on the big sofa” with the likes of Graham Norton as part of the plan.
“The kid is golden” — belief in rugby’s next superstar
Hearn has repeatedly emphasised that Pollock’s on-field performance must remain the foundation of everything.
“I told him, ‘You’re a superstar because you’re a great player’,” he said.
But beyond that, he sees a rare commercial opportunity.
“He’s got everything… a young kid with bundles of talent and a personality to light up the room.”
Hearn believes that combination — talent, confidence and visibility — could not only elevate Pollock, but help transform rugby’s wider appeal.
The highest-paid England players (Ranked 5-1)
From established stars to emerging names, we explore what top-level performance is really worth in the modern game of English rugby today.
5 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Estimated earnings: ~£650,000+ per year
Club salary: ~£500,000
England EPS / central payments: ~£150,000+
Club salary: ~£500,000
England EPS / central payments: ~£150,000+
One of the most established forwards in the Premiership, Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry is believed to earn around £500,000 per year at club level. When his England EPS and match payments are factored in, his total annual income is thought to rise comfortably beyond £650,000.
The financial package reflects his standing within the England national team setup. A former England captain and long-time Test starter, Curry has also featured prominently for the British & Irish Lions, underlining his reputation as one of the northern hemisphere’s premier openside flankers.
Relentless at the breakdown and renowned for his defensive work-rate, Curry’s importance for both Sale and England ensures he remains among the top earners in English rugby.
4 Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Estimated earnings: ~£750,000+ per year
Club salary: ~£600,000
England EPS / central payments: ~£150,000+
Club salary: ~£600,000
England EPS / central payments: ~£150,000+
One of the fastest-rising earners in the Premiership, the Northampton Saints fly-half is reportedly on around £600,000 per year after signing a major new deal in late 2025. When his England EPS contract is added, worth an estimated £150,000, his total annual income is believed to push beyond £750,000.
The financial rise has mirrored his progress on the international stage. Selected for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, Smith later made history by becoming the first Lion whose grandfather had also represented the famous side when he played against Argentina in June.
3 Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Estimated earnings: ~£760,000 per year
Club salary: ~£600,000 (contracted through 2028)
England RFU central deal: ~£160,000
Club salary: ~£600,000 (contracted through 2028)
England RFU central deal: ~£160,000
Few players in the Premiership combine star power and earning potential quite like Harlequins’ playmaker. Reports from late 2024 suggest a total package of around £760,000 per year, made up of a £600,000 club salary and approximately £160,000 from his England central contract.
At the very top of the game, Smith has already built an impressive Lions résumé. He debuted on the 2021 tour, producing a standout performance against the Stormers, and was again selected for the 2025 tour to Australia, contributing as the Lions secured a 2–1 series victory.
2 George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Estimated earnings: Just below £1,000,000 per year
Club salary: Undisclosed (believed near seven figures)
England EPS / central payments: Included in total estimate
Club salary: Undisclosed (believed near seven figures)
England EPS / central payments: Included in total estimate
Loyalty over maximum earnings has defined the latest chapter of Sale’s midfield general. Although Ford was reportedly offered close to £1 million per season by breakaway outfit R360, he chose to remain in Manchester by signing a new deal. While exact figures remain private, his pay is believed to sit just below the seven-figure mark, particularly when combined with his England EPS income.
That valuation reflects a career built on longevity and success. A prodigy who made his professional debut at just 16, Ford was named World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2011, has appeared in five Premiership finals, and lifted titles in 2013 and 2022. He has also featured in three Rugby World Cups for England.
1 Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Estimated earnings: ~£800,000–£1,000,000 per year
Club salary: ~£800,000
RFU hybrid arrangement / additional value: Potential to approach £1 million total package
Club salary: ~£800,000
RFU hybrid arrangement / additional value: Potential to approach £1 million total package
At the very top of the Premiership’s salary ladder sits Saracens’ talismanic forward. Itoje is reported to earn around £800,000 per year, with some sources suggesting his overall package could approach £1 million when RFU hybrid arrangements and strong overseas interest are taken into account.
On the field, his stature is unmatched. The current England captain and most recent leader of the British & Irish Lions, Itoje has won five Premiership titles and three European crowns since turning professional in 2012. Having reached 100 international caps in 2025, his combination of durability, dominance and leadership makes him not only the Premiership’s highest-paid player, but arguably its most influential.
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