Lawrence Dallaglio backs England youngster to be Lions bolter for 2025 tour
Rugby NewsTuesday, 01 April 2025 at 13:49
Henry Pollock’s meteoric rise has got the rugby world talking, and now England legend Lawrence Dallaglio has thrown his weight behind the young back-rower for a potential British & Irish Lions call-up.
The 20-year-old flanker has been a revelation for Northampton Saints, and Dallaglio believes he has what it takes to make the step up. Speaking to RugbyPass, the World Cup winner made a bold comparison:
“It’s not too soon for him to go on the Lions tour. Will Greenwood went on the 1997 tour to South Africa as an uncapped player, and if you are good enough, you are old enough.”
That’s high praise from a man who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Pollock may be young, but he’s already proving himself on the big stage. His England debut was the stuff of dreams – two tries in a single game, and he even predicted he’d bag at least one. Now, with the Lions’ South Africa tour on the horizon, the clamour for his inclusion is only growing.
The complete package?
Dallaglio isn’t just impressed by Pollock’s on-field ability – he believes the teenager has all the attributes to thrive in a squad full of rugby’s elite.
“Pollock has proved at every level that he has what it takes, and while it is a very competitive position, he is in the conversation as much as anyone else (for the Lions). He has all the skills, and with the fairly hard grounds and with 6-2 splits on the replacements bench, you wouldn’t be uncomfortable with Pollock or Ben Earl to bring on and play centre or wing. I played on the wing for Chris Oti many years ago!”
That versatility could be crucial for Lions head coach Andy Farrell. The modern game demands adaptability, and if Pollock can prove he can operate beyond his usual back-row duties, his stock will rise even further.
Swagger, confidence, and a bit of bite
Dallaglio also believes Pollock’s mentality is just as impressive as his physical game.
“He is a very likeable young man, and there is a confidence that some people would consider a bit of arrogance but there is nothing wrong with that if it is channelled in the right direction. It is not about talking the talk; it is about walking the walk and he does a bit of both. I have been refreshed to see a young back-row forward with a bit of swagger, a bit of chat who is not afraid to speak to the referee and not afraid to have a word in a teammate’s ear and also the opposition’s.”
That ‘bit of swagger’ could be exactly what the Lions need when they head into the cauldron of South African rugby. The Springboks won’t be intimidated by anyone – but Pollock seems like the kind of player who wouldn’t shy away from the challenge.
The new golden generation?
Dallaglio sees similarities between Pollock’s Northampton generation and his own time at Wasps, when the club churned out stars who formed the backbone of a dominant side.
“He is an exceptionally gifted player and he has had the most incredible season and had been talked about for some time by Northampton, where there is a wonderful academy, as one of a number of players who are coming through. In many ways, it reminds me of the Wasps team, where we had so many academy players like Alex King and Will Green who came through together, and if you can keep them for a long time, then, ultimately, you will have a successful club.”
Northampton’s Premiership title win was razor-thin, but players like Pollock have ensured they remain competitive even after losing icons like Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam.
Lions bolter or too soon?
Dallaglio clearly believes Pollock is ready for the biggest stage. His combination of talent, confidence, and big-game performances puts him firmly in the conversation. But with just over a year to go until the Lions squad is named, the question remains: can Pollock maintain this form and force his way into Farrell’s plans?
If his start to professional rugby is anything to go by, don’t bet against it.
Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player's career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.
While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.
From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.
2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker
Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.
Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.
However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
2017 tour: Stuart Hogg – A case of bad luck
Stuart Hogg was primed to be the Lions' Test full-back in 2017, but fate had other plans. The Scottish star suffered a freak injury in the third game of the tour against the Crusaders, colliding with Conor Murray’s elbow and fracturing his eye socket.
While injuries are unfortunate, Hogg’s Lions career as a whole was disappointing. He failed to make a significant impact on the 2013 or 2021 tours either, making him one of the most underwhelming repeat selections in Lions history.
2013 tour: Tom Court – The holiday call-up
If there was ever a Lions selection that left fans scratching their heads, it was Tom Court in 2013. The Ireland prop wasn’t even in the original squad – he was on holiday with his family when he got the call-up.
Thrown into the squad late, Court was never going to be a game-changer. He did manage to hold his own in the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels, but his inclusion remains one of the strangest in Lions history.
2009 tour: Alun Wyn Jones – A rare disaster for the legend
Alun Wyn Jones is a Lions legend – but his 2009 tour was anything but legendary. A young second-row at the time, he struggled against the formidable Springbok pack, leading Bleacher Report to rate his performances a dismal 4/10.
Jones was criticised for losing the ball in contact, looking out of his depth, and failing to impose himself physically. At times, he even looked "terrified" according to some reports. It was a rocky start to a Lions career that would later see him become one of the most respected captains in history.
2005 tour: Andy Titterrell – The most questionable selection?
The 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand was an unmitigated disaster, and some of the squad selections did little to help. Among the most baffling was Sale Sharks hooker Andy Titterrell, who had just two England caps to his name.
Sir Clive Woodward’s decision to take a bloated 44-man squad led to several left-field inclusions, but Titterrell stood out as particularly bizarre. Lacking the physicality and technical ability required at this level, he made little impact and was quickly forgotten.
Can You Name These 10 Legendary British & Irish Lions?
Test your rugby knowledge and see how many of these iconic Lions players you can name! You’ve got 4 minutes on the clock—think fast!
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