Henry Pollock provokes Argentina fans in viral clip before antics backfire
Rugby NewsThursday, 16 July 2026 at 07:02
Henry Pollock's attempt to wind up Argentina fans in Buenos Aires has spectacularly backfired after England's football team suffered World Cup semi-final defeat to the South Americans just hours later.
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The England rugby star was filmed taunting a group of Argentina supporters gathered at the famous Obelisk before Saturday's Nations Championship clash between England and Los Pumas.
Wearing England colours on the team bus, Pollock waved and smiled at fans as they jeered the visiting squad, with the footage quickly going viral across Argentine social media.
However, the timing could hardly have been worse.
Later that day, Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, prompting thousands of Argentine supporters to flood social media, mocking Pollock and claiming his pre-match antics had come back to haunt him.
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Argentina fans promise revenge
The original clip has now been shared widely across Argentina, with many supporters insisting Pollock will receive a hostile welcome when England face Los Pumas this weekend.
One fan wrote:
"Kremer, Matera, Montoya... you already know what you have to do with this guy."
Another posted:
"I want to see his face on Saturday against Los Pumas!"
Others mocked the England flanker following the football result, with one writing:
"After the match he left the country with a broken backside."
Another crude post joked that Pollock had been "put in his place" after England's defeat, while several others simply branded him an "idiot" for provoking Argentina supporters before such a huge day of Anglo-Argentine sporting rivalry.
Pollock embraces the villain role
Pollock has quickly developed a reputation as one of rugby's biggest personalities, never afraid to celebrate, chirp opponents or embrace the role of rugby's pantomime villain.
But with experienced enforcers such as Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer and Julián Montoya waiting for him on Saturday, many Argentine fans believe they now have extra motivation to make the England youngster's afternoon as uncomfortable as possible.
Whether Pollock's confidence proves inspirational or whether his pre-match stunt truly backfires will be one of the biggest talking points heading into England's showdown with Los Pumas.
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HENRY POLLOCK FACTS:
1. Youngest-ever Peter Deakin Medal winner
Pollock became the youngest player ever to win the Peter Deakin Medal, awarded to the Gallagher PREM Final Player of the Match, after starring in Northampton's victory over Exeter Chiefs.
2. He's only 21 years old
Despite already being one of the biggest names in English rugby, Pollock is still only 21 and has his best years ahead of him.
3. He made his Saints debut at 17
Pollock made his senior Northampton Saints debut in September 2022 while still a teenager.
4. He came through the Saints academy
The back-row star rose through Northampton's academy system after developing his game at Buckingham RUFC and Stowe School.
5. He helped England win the U20 World Championship
Pollock played a key role in England's World Rugby U20 Championship triumph and was widely regarded as one of the standout players of the tournament.
6. He scored twice on his England debut
The flanker announced himself on the international stage by scoring two tries on his England debut against Wales.
7. He became a British & Irish Lion incredibly early
Pollock earned selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour after just a handful of Test appearances, underlining how highly he is rated.
8. He holds a Gallagher PREM carrying record
According to Oval Insights, Pollock averaged more metres carried per 80 minutes than any back-row player in Premiership history.
9. He was Northampton's youngest professional-era try scorer
Pollock became Saints' youngest try scorer of the professional era when he crossed the whitewash during the early stages of his career.
10. He's one of rugby's biggest personalities
Whether it's his celebrations, confidence or social media presence, Pollock has become one of the sport's most recognisable young stars.
11. He comes from a family of elite athletes
Sport runs through the Pollock family. His mother, Hester, was a national-level triathlete, while his father John also competed at a high level.
12. His sister is a rising athletics star
Pollock's sister, Zoe, is making a name for herself in the United States as a talented 400m hurdler at the University of Georgia.
13. He could have played for Scotland
Despite becoming an England international, Pollock qualified for Scotland through both of his parents.
14. He started out as a scrum-half
Before becoming one of the most exciting back-row forwards in world rugby, Pollock actually began his rugby journey at scrum-half.
15. He's already worth millions
Following his Northampton Saints contract extension, England enhanced elite contract and several lucrative sponsorship agreements, Pollock's net worth is believed to be between £1.5 million and £2 million.
At just 21 years of age, Pollock is already breaking records and collecting silverware. If his current trajectory continues, the Northampton and England star could go on to become one of the defining players of his generation.
QUIZ: Can you name every Premiership winning captain since 2000?
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