"Record benchpress" - Lions sensation Henry Pollock leaves coaches stunned with freakish gym stats

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“It’s been crazy and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment of it, take it all in, and just enjoy rugby and enjoy the moment,” Pollock said.

“I’ve got a great family unit around me and I always look to them and friends whenever I’m on my own or in a dark space.”

He’s fully focused on his development now, saying: “I’m just working hard and giving everything to my rugby now, no distractions. I’m trying to put more muscle on, working on attack and defence, and across my whole game. I’m definitely not the finished article, so there’s definitely more to come.”

“My goal is clear,” he added. “I’m here to play Test rugby, that’s what I’m pushing for, but I’m also trying to enjoy the journey and just take in all the moments that come with being a Lion.”

Pollock’s obsession with self-improvement is no secret. Those who’ve worked closely with him all speak to the same thing: a relentless drive to improve and an unmatched intensity in training.

Jason Sivil, Northampton’s strength and conditioning coach, has seen that first-hand. “He always wants more, always wants another challenge. All Henry wants to do is push himself further and harder,” said Sivil.

That mentality is backed up by eye-popping gym numbers. Pollock has bulked up to over 100kg, can squat 230kg for three reps, and bench press 140kg. His aerobic engine is equally terrifying – he recently smashed the Bronco test in just 4 minutes and 25 seconds, a time that would make even the fittest internationals take notice.

With that combination of raw power, elite fitness, and an unshakeable mindset, it’s no wonder coaches and fans alike are tipping Pollock as one of the next big things in Test rugby. And if you ask him, he’s only just getting started.

Fri 20 June 2025
The Lions vs Argentina referee (Dublin)
Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)

Sat 28 Jun 2025
Western Force v B&I Lions (Perth)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
FPRO: Glenn Newman (NZ)

Wed 2 July 2025
Queensland Reds v B&I Lions (Brisbane)
Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZ)
FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)

Sat 5 July 2025
NSW Waratahs v B&I Lions (Sydney)
Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)
ARs: James Doleman (NZ) & Angus Mabey (NZ)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)

Wed 9 July 2025
ACT Brumbies v B&I Lions (Canberra)
Referee: Pierre Brousset (Fra)
ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & Nika Amashukeli (GEO)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Sat 12 July 2025
Invitational AUS&NZL v B&I Lions (Adelaide)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Pierre Brousset (Fra)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (SA)

Australia v The B&I Lions (Brisbane)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Tues 22 July 2025
First Nations & Pasifika XV v B&I Lions (Melbourne)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZ)

Australia v The B&I Lions (Melbourne)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (SA)

Australia v The B&I Lions (Sydney)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZ)

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