Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has made a seismic move into rugby union by signing up Henry Pollock, declaring that the England back-row forward could “single-handedly ignite” the sport.
Hearn, best known for managing boxing talents such as Anthony Joshua, unveiled the 21-year-old as the latest addition to his Matchroom Talent Agency and heaped praise on Pollock’s capacity.
“I watched this kid and I immediately thought: superstar,” Hearn said in a statement on Friday afternoon. “I believe he can singlehandedly ignite this sport and I am delighted to welcome him to the Matchroom family.”
Pollock has caught the eye for England with his exciting style of play and exuberant celebrationsPatrick Khachfe/getty images
Posting on his Instagram account to 1.5million followers, Hearn explained that he met Pollock and “understood the passion, vision and desire” and “had to be a part of this journey”.
“Sometimes someone special comes along that has all the ingredients to change the sport,” Hearn continued. “Rugby here we come.”
Matchroom Talent Agency is Matchroom Sport’s new brand of talent management and includes Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall on its roster.
“We are building a team of all stars — and we have many more top names still to bring in as our new Matchroom Talent Agency makes huge strides forward,” Hearn added.
The Times understands that Matchroom Talent and Stellar Rugby will combine under the arrangement to look after Pollock’s commercial affairs away from the field. Stellar Rugby, which also counts Finn Russell among its clients, will continue to handle the player’s contracts with Northampton Saints and the Rugby Football Union given that Pollock holds an enhanced elite player squad (EPS) deal.
Having attended his first international during the Six Nations as Wales hosted Italy in round five, Hearn suggested that he was familiar with only a single England player.
“I hope those in charge can start to give these players and the sport the profile, storytelling and noise it deserves,” he posted to Instagram. “Like boxing, tough people and a sport built on discipline and respect can and should be much bigger. That is all.”