Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\nThe 21-year-old has quickly developed a reputation as one of rugby\u2019s biggest agitators. <\/p>\n
His showboating, constant chat and willingness to bait opponents have led many to label him a \u201cwind-up merchant\u201d, making him one of the sport\u2019s most divisive young figures.<\/p>\n
Away from the attention, Pollock continues to establish himself as one of England\u2019s brightest prospects. He became the youngest try-scorer in England\u2019s Six Nations history and has emerged as a key figure in the future plans of both Northampton Saints and England.<\/p>\n
Off the field, he is now part of Eddie Hearn\u2019s Matchroom Talent Agency, becoming the first rugby player to be part of the boxing promoter\u2019s stable.<\/p>\n
Pollock was influential in Saints\u2019 semi-final victory over Leicester Tigers last Friday, thriving in a game that frequently gave him opportunities to attack in space.<\/p>\n
He carried relentlessly throughout the contest, making significant metres through contact from an outstanding 26 carries. He also impressed with his work at the breakdown, another area that has become a hallmark of his game.<\/p>\n
While many believe Pollock enjoys provoking opposition players and supporters, the back-rower insists that it is not something he consciously sets out to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t enjoy it, I just think it\u2019s part of my game. It\u2019s something that comes with me and my personality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pollock\u2019s confrontational style often attracts attention from opponents, but he believes that can work to his team\u2019s advantage. He also admits that the physical edge created by those situations brings out the best in him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s two sides of it, if they\u2019re trying to target me then there\u2019s going to be space elsewhere on the pitch and I do like the aggression side of the game therefore I do think it gets the best out of me in terms of being in and around contact and collisions, that\u2019s where I\u2019m at my best.\u201d<\/p>\n
The young flanker has become accustomed to hostile receptions wherever he plays. During Northampton\u2019s meetings with Champions Cup winners Union Bordeaux-B\u00e8gles, Pollock was regularly booed by sections of the crowd.<\/p>\n
Bordeaux players also mocked him during their post-match celebrations following last season\u2019s final, while fly-half Matthieu Jalibert accused Northampton of showing a lack of respect towards their opponents.<\/p>\n
Despite the growing attention surrounding his reputation, Pollock says he remains focused on his own responsibilities rather than thinking about being \u2018rent-free\u2019 in people\u2019s heads.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think about it too much. Potentially you could say that but I\u2019m very focused on my role and the rest that comes happens naturally.\u201d<\/p>\n
NAME EVERY ENGLAND CAPTAIN OF THE PROFESSIONAL ERA:<\/p>\n
Since rugby turned professional in 1995, England have had a host of captains lead the team through World Cups, Grand Slams, Lions tours and some of the biggest moments in the sport\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
From World Cup-winning legends to short-term stand-ins, how many England captains of the professional era can you name?<\/p>\n
You have\u00a0five minutes\u00a0to name them all. Good luck!\ud83c\udfc9<\/p>\n
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