Henry Pollock signs huge contract with salary increased FOUR-FOLD

The explosive back-rower has quickly built a reputation as one of English rugby’s most exciting young prospects, making waves at both club and international level.

His rapid rise saw him included in the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad before establishing himself as an England regular in the Autumn.

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Despite his young age, Pollock has already assembled an impressive list of achievements. He has lifted both the World Rugby U20 Championship and the U20 Six Nations, while also making his senior Six Nations debut for England against Wales earlier this year. Since then, he has added several impactful appearances off the bench during the autumn campaign.

Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson has been full of praise for the youngster’s development.

“There’s no doubt that he’s one of the best young prospects in the league,” Dowson said. “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.”

A product of the Saints’ academy system, Pollock joined the club as a youngster and progressed through the ranks after entering the pathway at under-13 level. He made his senior debut aged just 17 in the Premiership Rugby Cup and has continued to develop rapidly since.

This season he has made nine appearances for Northampton, including a memorable European debut in which he crossed the line against Castres.

For Pollock, extending his stay at Franklin’s Gardens was a straightforward decision.

“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,” he said.

The contract extension also represents a significant financial step forward in his career. His salary is believed to have risen from roughly £20,000 on an academy deal to more than £100,000 per season.

With his reputation continuing to grow, Pollock has also secured a central contract, taking his overall earnings to around £250,000 per year before sponsorship deals are included.

For a player still only 20, it marks another major milestone in what is shaping up to be a remarkable rise through the game. Reports have even suggested that Northampton Saints are already looking ahead to secure Pollock on a more lucrative, long-term contract, despite his latest deal only being signed last year.

From established stars to emerging names, we explore what top-level performance is really worth in the modern game of English rugby today.

Estimated earnings: ~£650,000+ per year
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.

Estimated earnings: ~£750,000+ per year
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.

Estimated earnings: ~£760,000 per year
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.

Estimated earnings: Just below £1,000,000 per year
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.

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

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.