Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson insists it’s not ‘unexpected’ that Henry Pollock has been snapped up by a big agent like Eddie Hearn, and that their new relationship will only be beneficial to the wider sport.
Last week, it was announced that the British and Irish Lions tourist and England international had signed with Hearn’s new sports agency, Matchroom Talent Agency, becoming just the second player on their books after UFC star Tom Aspinall.
It is also the latest major investment into the English game, be it for a club or player, with Red Bull recently acquiring Newcastle and Dyson’s investment into Bath.
‘It’s going to go to another level with Eddie Hearn’
Pollock has enjoyed a breakthrough start to his early career, making his Test debut for England and later being called into the Lions tour in only his second season as a professional, but Dowson feels a move like this isn’t a huge surprise given the attention he draws.
“I think it’s not to be unexpected,” the DoR told the media ahead of their Investec Champions Cup clash with Castres. “Henry’s broken through on so many levels, and he’s going to be represented by somebody who has a huge sway in international sport and in the media.
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“I don’t think it’s too unexpected that somebody would pick up Henry.”
“He’s been hugely explosive on and off the field,” he continued. “People have really responded and interacted with the game, which is hugely positive, and now it’s going to go to another level with Eddie Hearn.”
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The move has since been met with widespread excitement across the game, with hopes it will boost the overall profile of the sport, and the Saints boss shared in that view.
“I think it’ll be good for the sport,” Dowson added. “We’ve seen Red Bull coming in and Dyson investing in Bath; rugby is on a bit of a high. Henry has driven some of that himself, and it’ll be interesting to see how that relationship goes.
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“It’s good for the sport. It’ll get people talking, and you’ve got somebody who is from a non-rugby background involved; and that will only be a positive thing to get more eyeballs on and grow the sport.”
But, Dowson was also quick to issue a warning to the breakthrough star that his on-field performance should remain his key prioity, a feeling which Pollock does already share.
“All players on the international radar are wanted by sponsors, and they’ve got to balance up the on-field performance with off-field opportunities. If he’s performing on the field, those things will always be there and increase, but if not, they can dissipate.
“Henry’s not stupid, he knows he’s got to get his rugby right first. Then we’ll try and help him off the field with his other interests.”
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