HenryPollock

Coming into this season, Henry Pollock had played just 30 minutes of rugby in the Gallagher Premiership, but such has been his rapid rise, his inclusion for The British & Irish Lions squad to Australia has not come as a surprise.

Still only 20, Pollock has stepped up to every challenge he has faced, the latest being an Investec Champions Cup semi-final away in Dublin against Leinster.

Pollock comes from a sporting family, his mum Hester was a national level triathlete, while his sister Zoe was an elite 400m hurdler and his brother Angus plays golf to a high level.

From an early age, Pollock threw himself into sport, including triathlon and running, but rugby was always a firm favourite.

After joining the Saints academy at 13, he has quickly progressed through the ranks, while also standing out for England at age-group level.

He played a big role in the England U20s team winning the Six Nations and then the World Cup in 2024, despite still having another year to play at that level.

This season, Pollock has kicked on with Saints, with some stellar Champions Cup displays earning him a nomination for the Player of the Season prize.

His nose for the try-line has been evident, with seven tries, the most of any forward, while his first Premiership try was a sensational solo effort where he shook off two tackles before chipping over the top and collecting his own kick.

He followed that up with a remarkable individual try against Leinster in Saints’ dramatic win on the final weekend of action before the Lions squad announcement.

Internationally, he started the Six Nations with England U20s, playing in wins over Ireland and France, but he earned a full debut off the bench in the final game against Wales.

Introduced in the second half of the clash in Cardiff, Pollock crossed for two tries in a record victory.

Even then, the idea of a Lions call-up seemed to be a long shot, but he has continued to impress at every opportunity and will now head to Australia as the youngest player in the 2025 squad.