England and Northampton flanker Henry Pollock has opened the door to a remarkable career pivot into combat sports as he finalises terms on a new Saints contract.
The 21-year-old is expected to sign a two-year extension at Franklin’s Gardens, however, after signing with Eddie Hearn‘s Matchroom agency he hasn’t ruled out trying out a career in boxing or MMA in the future.
‘I love my boxing and MMA,’ said Pollock. ‘And now I’ve signed with Matchroom, it’s definitely opened new avenues into that. It’s cool to experience new sports and it’s cool to experience different scenarios.
‘I’m open to everything and I’m never going to say no to an opportunity, but at the minute rugby is my main priority, so I’m focusing on that in the near future. But, as I said, you never know what’s happening around the corner.’
Promoter Eddie Hearn claimed Pollock should be paid £1million a year but the back-row forward is expected to land a new Saints deal worth £450,000.
And while Pollock is keen to continue establishing himself as one of rugby’s biggest stars at Northampton, the idea of changing tracks in his career, whether that be in his sport or another, is certainly a possibility.
Northampton’s Henry Pollock is set for a new deal at the club but has also opened the door to taking on a new sport
Pollock signed with Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom agency earlier this year
‘I want to go and live in different countries, explore new sports, new avenues,’ Pollock continued. ‘Obviously, Northampton’s been great to me. I’ve been here my whole career and they have made me who I am.
‘For me to stay here would be so special. I know it’s not as easy as that and there’s lots of moving parts that come into play. That’s why I have an amazing team around me that can work all the little things out for me. I’m very open to new opportunities and I’m very open to exploring that.
‘I’m under contract until the end of the year and then after that we’ll see what happens. I’m going to have to assess all options. I’ve talked to my management about everything I can do.
‘This year I’m very much focused on Northampton. After that, I guess that will be decided soon.’
Pollock insists Hearn’s comments about becoming a million-pound player have not added any pressure to his performances.
‘I don’t see it as pressure,’ he said. ‘I see it as him doing his job. He’s the best sports promoter in the world. Eddie has been great for me, he has given me so many avenues to get into.’
