Lions Star Henry Pollock Reveals Talks with Gregor Townsend Over Scotland Call-Up
Rugby NewsThursday, 26 June 2025 at 07:56
Teenage sensation Henry Pollock will make his first start for the British & Irish Lions against Western Force.
But in a stunning twist, the powerhouse England flanker was once eligible to represent Scotland – and history could have taken a very different path.
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Henry Pollock facts:
1. His gym stats are just plain ridiculous
Pollock can squat a monstrous 230kg for three reps and bench 140kg for two. Oh, and he hits 10 metres per second at full tilt. Not bad for a flanker, right?
2. He's staying put – for now
Despite serious interest from rival clubs, Pollock penned a multi-year deal with Northampton Saints back in December. The Prem champs weren’t letting this star go anywhere.
3. He exploded onto the international stage
Pollock announced himself in style, scoring two tries on debut in England’s emphatic 68–14 demolition of Wales in Cardiff during the 2025 Six Nations.
4. The youngest Lion of 2025
Pollock is the youngest member of the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, and he’s been handed a very special job: looking after BIL the Lion teddy – a tradition he takes over from Louis Rees-Zammit.
5. He’s got the most unique try celebrations in rugby
Pollock doesn't just score – he puts on a show. Against Leinster, he checked his pulse after dotting down – a tribute to Manchester United’s Diego Dalot. In another match, he went full NBA mode with a basketball-style jump shot using the rugby ball. Iconic stuff.
6. Born to compete
Born 14 January 2005 in Banbury, Oxfordshire, Pollock has always had a fire in his belly. “I wanted to be the best at… probably everything,” he told The Telegraph.
7. Sporting greatness runs in the family
Pollock’s family is built for elite sport. His mum, Hester, was a national-level triathlete, and his dad, John, also has a strong sporting background. His sister, Zoe, competes as a 400m hurdler at the University of Georgia, and he has one brother, Angus. Safe to say the competitive streak runs deep in the Pollock household.
8. He started out as a scrum-half – until he got too gobby
Pollock’s first rugby position? Scrum-half. But a coach moved him after deciding he talked too much: “You’ve got a big mouth, we’ll put you at seven.” The rest is history.
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9. A Saint since his early teens
He’s been part of the Northampton Saints set-up since under-13s and signed his first pro deal in 2023. A one-club man so far – and a key part of their future.
10. Made his mark in the Premiership and Europe
Pollock made his Prem debut in November 2023 against Leicester Tigers, followed by his Champions Cup debutagainst Castres in December 2024.
11. Dominated the U20s
During the 2024 Six Nations U20s, Pollock picked up three Player of the Match awards and was later crowned Player of the Tournament. Total domination.
12. He stepped up for England A
Pollock continued to impress with England A, earning Player of the Match in their win over Australia A in November 2024.
13. He could’ve played for Scotland
He may be England’s newest sensation after a thunderous debut against Wales in the 2025 Six Nations, but things could’ve been very different for Chandler Pollock. With both parents born in Scotland, the dynamic flanker was fully eligible to play for the men in dark blue — and even held talks with Gregor Townsend.
But when England came calling, he didn’t hesitate. He said no to Scotland — and the rest, as they say, is history.
14. He’s balancing rugby and uni life
He’s not just smashing tackles – he’s hitting the books too. Pollock is currently studying part-time for a Sports Management degree at Loughborough University.
15. His rugby idols are a who’s who of back-row greats
Growing up, Pollock looked up to Michael Hooper and Richie McCaw. Closer to home, former Saints legends Courtney Lawe
Lions teams to play Western Force:
15. Elliot Daly (Saracens / England) #822
A versatile and experienced back, Elliot Daly brings attacking flair, a booming boot, and positional intelligence to the full-back role. Capable across the backline, Daly has been a mainstay for England since his debut in 2016 and a British & Irish Lion.
A versatile and experienced back, Elliot Daly brings attacking flair, a booming boot, and positional intelligence to the full-back role. Capable across the backline, Daly has been a mainstay for England since his debut in 2016 and a British & Irish Lion.
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby / Ireland) #867
The electrifying Australian-born wing burst onto the Irish scene with flair, speed, and fearless creativity. Known for his unpredictable running lines and sharp instincts, Hansen quickly became a fan favorite after his debut in 2022.
The electrifying Australian-born wing burst onto the Irish scene with flair, speed, and fearless creativity. Known for his unpredictable running lines and sharp instincts, Hansen quickly became a fan favorite after his debut in 2022.
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
A classy and cerebral outside centre, Ringrose is renowned for his footwork, defensive organization, and leadership. A Leinster stalwart and Irish international since 2016, he remains one of the most consistent midfielders in the game.
A classy and cerebral outside centre, Ringrose is renowned for his footwork, defensive organization, and leadership. A Leinster stalwart and Irish international since 2016, he remains one of the most consistent midfielders in the game.
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors / Scotland) #863
A powerful and intelligent centre, Tuipulotu adds physicality and creativity to Scotland’s midfield. Born in Australia, he qualified for Scotland through his grandmother and debuted in 2021.
A powerful and intelligent centre, Tuipulotu adds physicality and creativity to Scotland’s midfield. Born in Australia, he qualified for Scotland through his grandmother and debuted in 2021.
11. James Lowe (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
A potent attacking force with a booming left foot, Lowe brings aggression and energy on the wing. A New Zealand-born player, he became eligible for Ireland in 2020 and has since added flair to their back three.
A potent attacking force with a booming left foot, Lowe brings aggression and energy on the wing. A New Zealand-born player, he became eligible for Ireland in 2020 and has since added flair to their back three.
10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby / Scotland) #835
One of the most gifted playmakers in world rugby, Russell blends vision, audacity, and pinpoint kicking. His move to Bath has only sharpened his control and creativity at fly-half for Scotland and beyond.
One of the most gifted playmakers in world rugby, Russell blends vision, audacity, and pinpoint kicking. His move to Bath has only sharpened his control and creativity at fly-half for Scotland and beyond.
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby / Wales) #866
A sharp and instinctive scrum-half, Williams offers quick service, sniping breaks, and strong defensive work. He’s become a key figure for Wales and recently transferred to Gloucester to further sharpen his game.
A sharp and instinctive scrum-half, Williams offers quick service, sniping breaks, and strong defensive work. He’s become a key figure for Wales and recently transferred to Gloucester to further sharpen his game.
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby / Scotland) #868
A dynamic loosehead prop with powerful carries and a relentless work rate, Schoeman has been a cornerstone for Scotland’s front row since qualifying in 2021 through residency.
A dynamic loosehead prop with powerful carries and a relentless work rate, Schoeman has been a cornerstone for Scotland’s front row since qualifying in 2021 through residency.
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby / Ireland) (c)
A world-class hooker with explosive athleticism and clinical finishing, Sheehan has quickly risen as a leader for Ireland. A vital piece of Leinster’s pack, he's known for his lineout accuracy and dynamism around the park.
A world-class hooker with explosive athleticism and clinical finishing, Sheehan has quickly risen as a leader for Ireland. A vital piece of Leinster’s pack, he's known for his lineout accuracy and dynamism around the park.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby / Ireland) #818
Regarded as one of the premier tightheads in global rugby, Furlong combines set-piece excellence with soft hands and physicality. A two-time British & Irish Lion, he’s a linchpin in Ireland’s scrum.
Regarded as one of the premier tightheads in global rugby, Furlong combines set-piece excellence with soft hands and physicality. A two-time British & Irish Lion, he’s a linchpin in Ireland’s scrum.
4. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors / Scotland) #869
A workhorse lock with strong set-piece fundamentals and lineout prowess, Cummings has been steadily growing in stature in Scotland’s engine room since his debut in 2019.
A workhorse lock with strong set-piece fundamentals and lineout prowess, Cummings has been steadily growing in stature in Scotland’s engine room since his debut in 2019.
5. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
An imposing lock known for his physical presence, McCarthy is one of the brightest young talents in Irish rugby. His aggression in contact and set-piece skills have quickly earned him international recognition.
An imposing lock known for his physical presence, McCarthy is one of the brightest young talents in Irish rugby. His aggression in contact and set-piece skills have quickly earned him international recognition.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby / Ireland) #838
Beirne is a versatile, turnover-hungry forward capable of playing lock or flanker. His work at the breakdown, athleticism, and lineout skill make him a key figure in Ireland’s back five.
Beirne is a versatile, turnover-hungry forward capable of playing lock or flanker. His work at the breakdown, athleticism, and lineout skill make him a key figure in Ireland’s back five.
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier is known for his relentless work rate, tackling, and ball-carrying. A vital cog in both Leinster and Ireland’s game plan.
The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, van der Flier is known for his relentless work rate, tackling, and ball-carrying. A vital cog in both Leinster and Ireland’s game plan.
8. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints / England) #865
A rising star in English rugby, Pollock is known for his high motor, breakdown nous, and ball-carrying. Having shone at U20 level, his senior debut marks him as one to watch for the future.
A rising star in English rugby, Pollock is known for his high motor, breakdown nous, and ball-carrying. Having shone at U20 level, his senior debut marks him as one to watch for the future.
Replacements
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby / Ireland) #864
A dynamic hooker with a strong try-scoring record, Kelleher is a mobile, hard-hitting front-row option. He adds impact and reliability off the bench.
A dynamic hooker with a strong try-scoring record, Kelleher is a mobile, hard-hitting front-row option. He adds impact and reliability off the bench.
17. Andrew Porter (Leinster Rugby / Ireland)
Equally comfortable at loosehead and tighthead, Porter is a powerhouse scrummager and explosive ball-carrier, regularly making an impact in both Leinster and Ireland jerseys.
Equally comfortable at loosehead and tighthead, Porter is a powerhouse scrummager and explosive ball-carrier, regularly making an impact in both Leinster and Ireland jerseys.
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby / England)
A strong, no-nonsense tighthead prop, Stuart offers solid scrummaging and tough defense. A consistent performer for Bath and England.
A strong, no-nonsense tighthead prop, Stuart offers solid scrummaging and tough defense. A consistent performer for Bath and England.
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers / England)
A tall, athletic lock with superb mobility and lineout ability, Chessum is part of the new generation of English forwards. His versatility makes him a valuable squad member.
A tall, athletic lock with superb mobility and lineout ability, Chessum is part of the new generation of English forwards. His versatility makes him a valuable squad member.
20. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby / Ireland) #839
An experienced No. 8 with Lions credentials, Conan provides go-forward ball and composure at the base of the scrum. A trusted figure in high-stakes matches.
An experienced No. 8 with Lions credentials, Conan provides go-forward ball and composure at the base of the scrum. A trusted figure in high-stakes matches.
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints / England) #860
An agile, attacking scrum-half, Mitchell thrives on quick ball and rapid tempo. His flair and sniping runs offer a different dynamic late in games.
An agile, attacking scrum-half, Mitchell thrives on quick ball and rapid tempo. His flair and sniping runs offer a different dynamic late in games.
22. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors / Scotland)
A dangerous outside centre with strong running lines and attacking instinct, Jones has rediscovered top form in recent seasons and remains a threat in open space.
A dangerous outside centre with strong running lines and attacking instinct, Jones has rediscovered top form in recent seasons and remains a threat in open space.
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins / England) #855
A mercurial fly-half with dazzling footwork and creative spark, Smith can change games in an instant. A versatile option at 10 or 15, he brings flair and fearlessness off the bench.
A mercurial fly-half with dazzling footwork and creative spark, Smith can change games in an instant. A versatile option at 10 or 15, he brings flair and fearlessness off the bench.
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Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?
Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.
- 42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
- The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
- The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans
Now it's time to test your memory.
- How many of those 42 Lions can you name?
- No hints. No positions. Just rugby IQ.
- You’ve got 5 minutes.
Take the quiz, scroll down, and start typing.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
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