Henry Pollock's next club? Eddie Hearn drops huge transfer hint

Monday, 03 August 2026 at 13:03

bySteven Smith

Northampton Saints have been told they must make Henry Pollock one of the highest-paid players in English rugby if they want to keep hold of the England sensation.

According to The Telegraph, Pollock's current deal expires at the end of the 2026/27 season, with the 21-year-old believed to be earning around £150,000 a year. However, after a remarkable rise on and off the pitch, the flanker is expected to command a vastly improved contract.

Pollock has become one of rugby's biggest names after bursting onto the international scene with England and signing with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom agency, dramatically increasing his commercial profile.

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Eddie Hearn: Saints must pay up

Speaking to The Telegraph, Hearn believes Northampton can no longer afford to value Pollock like an ordinary young player.

"Northampton have to recognise what they have got," Hearn said.

"It is all very well saying that there might be players who are a bit more consistent or might be better or whatever, but there aren't players that are making an unquestionable and undeniable difference to the bottom line of the club.

"Henry Pollock drives season ticket sales. Henry Pollock puts bums on the seats. Henry Pollock drives viewership on TNT or wherever it's going to be. Henry Pollock sells shirts.

"That's the difference. So you can actually put an economic value over having Henry Pollock on the team, and that has to be recognised, regardless of the want from Henry. He cannot stay at this club on the money that he's on."

Hearn also claimed Pollock could earn "10 times" his current salary if he moved elsewhere, insisting Saints must recognise the commercial value their star man now brings.

Where could Henry Pollock go?

Despite all indications suggesting Pollock wants to remain at Franklin's Gardens, Hearn's comments have inevitably fuelled speculation over which clubs could afford to lure him away if contract talks become complicated.

Newcastle Red Bulls

Newcastle Red Bulls continue to be linked with the biggest names in English rugby following the club's takeover, and RUCK has previously explored whether Pollock could become the marquee signing to launch a new era on Tyneside.

The England flanker fits the Red Bull profile perfectly. He's young, explosive, box-office and already one of the most marketable players in the game.

With significant financial backing behind the project, Newcastle are one of the few English clubs capable of putting together a truly eye-catching package.

The biggest hurdle would be convincing Pollock to swap a title-contending Saints side for a club still rebuilding.

Bath Rugby

Bath have established themselves as one of the Premiership's financial heavyweights under owner Bruce Craig.

Although Johann van Graan already boasts an outstanding squad, generational talents rarely become available, and Pollock would undoubtedly strengthen any team in Europe.

If Bath decided they wanted the England star, matching the type of salary Hearn is talking about would not be beyond them.

Bristol Bears

Steve Lansdown's investment means Bristol remain one of the best-backed clubs in English rugby.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam has never been afraid to chase marquee signings, and Pollock's dynamic, attacking game would suit Bristol's style perfectly.

Should the Bears look to make another blockbuster signing, Pollock would surely be near the top of any shortlist.

France's Top 14

Financially, the biggest offers would almost certainly come from France.

Top 14 giants have repeatedly shown they are willing to pay premium salaries for world-class talent, and Pollock's profile would make him an attractive target.

However, accepting a move to France would almost certainly jeopardise his England career under the RFU's overseas selection policy, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup just around the corner.

Japan Rugby League One

Japan has become another lucrative destination for elite players, offering shorter seasons alongside enormous salaries.

A player with Pollock's growing global profile would have no shortage of admirers.

But, as with France, moving abroad would almost certainly see him sacrifice his place in Steve Borthwick's England squad.

POLL:

Saints face biggest contract decision in years

Everything points towards Pollock wanting to stay at Northampton, where he has developed into one of world rugby's brightest young stars.

But with his current contract entering its final year and his stock continuing to soar, the Saints are approaching one of the most important negotiations in the club's recent history.

If Hearn is right, Northampton may have little choice but to make Pollock their first genuine seven-figure player to keep rival Premiership clubs—and wealthy overseas suitors—at bay.