Henry Pollock remains stood down for Northampton Saints this weekend, with the England star unable to feature in the PREM Rugby Cup under mandatory player-welfare rules.
The 21-year-old is again missing from Northampton’s matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Harlequins, as Saints continue their preparations for the defence of their Gallagher PREM title.
Pollock is not injured and his absence is not a selection decision from director of rugby Phil Dowson.
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Instead, players who were involved in England’s summer international programme are required to complete a mandatory rest and return-to-rugby period before representing their clubs.
Under the player-load regulations agreed by the Men’s Professional Rugby Board, England’s summer tourists are not permitted to feature in the PREM Rugby Cup, but will become available for the opening round of the Gallagher PREM.
ENGLAND STARS REMAIN SIDELINED
That leaves Northampton without a host of their biggest names for their second Cup outing.
Pollock, Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, Alex Coles and Emmanuel Iyogun were all involved in England’s summer programme and were back at Pennyhill Park this week for Steve Borthwick’s three-day training camp.
Their enforced absence has given Dowson little choice but to continue leaning heavily on Northampton’s wider squad during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Pollock is expected to be back in contention when Saints finally begin their Gallagher PREM campaign against Newcastle on Friday, September 25.
Until then, one of English rugby’s biggest young stars remains on the sidelines.
SAINTS MAKE 12 CHANGES
Northampton have nevertheless significantly strengthened their side following last weekend’s remarkable 96-42 defeat against Saracens.
New club captain Fraser Dingwall comes into the midfield and leads Saints for the first time since taking the role, while Tom Pearson and Ed Prowse make their first appearances of the season.
Former Harlequins prop Jordan Els also makes his Northampton debut against his former club.
Dowson has made 12 changes to his matchday 23 in total for the trip to The Stoop, with Harlequins having opened their Cup campaign with a 45-21 victory over Leicester Tigers.
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Henry Pollock facts:
1. His gym stats are just plain ridiculous
Henry Pollock isn’t your average back-rower. The England sensation can squat 230kg for three reps, bench 140kg for two, clock speeds of around 10 metres per second and has reportedly smashed the Bronco test in an astonishing 4:25. At roughly 105kg, Pollock combines explosive power, elite pace and freakish fitness — a combination that’s left coaches and sports scientists struggling to find many comparisons in world rugby.
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
Henry 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.