“Record lift” – Henry Pollock left England coaches stunned with freakish gym stats

“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.

From coaching shake-ups to shock international recalls, from the rise of corporate-backed clubs to the fall of ambitious new leagues, 2026 could deliver storylines that shift rugby’s landscape for years to come.

Here are the bold predictions that might just come true.

Despite Gregor Townsend’s contract running through 2027, 2026 could mark the end of his long tenure in charge of Scotland. His side’s recent inconsistency — highlighted by the shocking 21–0 collapse to Argentina in the autumn — has intensified scrutiny around his leadership.

Adding to the pressure is Townsend’s controversial decision to take on a parallel consultancy role with the newly rebranded Newcastle Red Bulls. Many within Scottish Rugby and the fanbase feel the national side is no longer his sole focus.

If Scotland stumble again in the 2026 Six Nations, particularly if they finish outside the top half, this could finally be the moment the SRU decides to move on. Years of “nearly” performances may come to a head.

Owen Farrell’s return to Saracens after his brief spell in France instantly made him eligible for England selection once more. While he has stepped back from the national setup in recent seasons, the door has never been fully shut.

With England still searching for a stabilising, experienced playmaker in pressure situations — especially in the run-up to the 2027 World Cup — 2026 could be the year Farrell is recalled for a key test window or even a crunch Six Nations match.

He may not return as a long-term starter, but a “break glass in case of emergency” cameo for England feels increasingly likely.

England have been trending upward, blending a core of experienced internationals with an exciting next generation. With rivals such as Ireland and France potentially entering transitional periods, 2026 presents a realistic opportunity for England to reclaim northern hemisphere dominance.

If they find consistency early in the campaign — and if Farrell’s potential return provides the leadership boost some believe they lack — they could power their way to the championship, setting a strong foundation ahead of 2027.

The ambitious R360 global franchise league has already been pushed back from a 2026 launch to 2028. But the writing may be on the wall. With major unions banning players who sign for the project, commercial partners easing away, and player contracts collapsing, the concept has lost its early momentum.

By late 2026, the league may be formally shelved or quietly abandoned altogether. Its grand vision of a “Formula 1-style” international rugby circuit could become another cautionary tale about challenging the game’s traditional power structures.

One club ready to break tradition, however, is the newly rebranded Newcastle Red Bulls. With major financial backing and aggressive long-term ambitions, the club is expected to make a statement signing in 2026 — and a marquee fly-half seems the obvious target.

Whether they pull from the Top 14, Super Rugby, or a frustrated R360-linked star seeking stability, Newcastle look poised to make a splash signing that shifts the balance of power in the league. A world-class No.10 would instantly transform them from a rebuild project into a legitimate force.