Henry Pollock: The Search for a Rugby Star

“Look at Lamin Yamal at Barcelona,” said Pollock. “He’s only 18.

“We have to identify those young stars, the ones who come under the foundation, and ultimately the game will grow from that.”

The names of the major achievements of rugby success are flat.

After coaching the tacklers at the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a 20-year-old, Jonas Lomu made his NFL debut, starred in his own video game and became a global celebrity.

Jonny Wilkinson, the centerpiece of England’s successful season eight years later, was similarly stoic.

Dan Carter, Sia Collisi, Brian O’Driscoll, Richie McCaw, Gavin Henson, Sebastien Chabal and Danny Cipriani have all been cut in the modern era to varying degrees and for various reasons.

But they are few and far between.

Chris Thompson is the founder of We Know Rugby, an agency that advises brands on personality and commercial assets in the sport.

“There’s a constant challenge to get a big name in people’s eyeballs all year round – and that’s true for any sport,” he told BBC Sport.

“International and club rugby are two separate products, each with their own audiences and experiences, and the more they can collaborate, especially when it comes to content, the stronger the sport will become.”

Thompson hopes Pollock and the like will soon get the year-round publicity they need to burn brightly.

The English top flight attracted a number of big investors last year, with Red Bull buying Newcastle, with Sir James Dyson as a co-founder and a group of American investors on the table for Exeter.

A revamped international calendar kicks off with the Nations Championship, the season’s North v South themed series which culminates at Twickenham Allianz Stadium this weekend, to weave a narrative that will tempt more casual fans.

The first two editions of that competition were carried out in a free-to-air deal, which shares Six Nations rights with BBC Sport, which boosted audiences.

The Club World Cup is underway for 2028 and will pit international stars against each other in club colours.

As well as adjustments to formats, Thomson also sees a change in culture.

“I think the response from rugby fans to Henry Pollock has been really positive,” he said.

“Nobody’s going to say, ‘Don’t do that.’ As long as the performance is at a high level, people want him to go and express himself and show everything he’s feeling.”

Earlier this season, Pollock played away to Bordeaux-Bagles.

Northampton’s previous meeting with the French side was in last year’s Champions Cup final – which saw a clash and scuffle centered on Pollock after the final whistle.

Pollock mocked Stade Chaban-Delmas at the final whistle. These same fans called his name out of respect, External.

Pollock’s reputation is littered with viral moments.

His Responding to Haka in November, ExternalHis pulse-check try celebration against Leinster last season, his first try against Wales in Sock Pool and England – the constant in each is his unmistakable joy in the game and his own competence.