WHEN Henry Pollock signed his first professional contract with Northampton last year at the age of 18, he was hailed as a generational talent.
The former England U18 flanker and captain was voted the club’s player of the month for September after a number of strong performances in the Premiership Cup and last month marked his first appearance in the U20s Six Nations with a try hattrick for England in Italy.
He finished the job on Friday night with another try and a starring role in France as England claimed the trophy.
But Pollock, who turned 19 in January, is not one to get carried away by praise or accolades and is now eager to get back to club action, whether it is with the Saints or his loan club Bedford.
Pollock made his first Premiership appearance off the bench in the East Midlands derby at Welford Road in November, but Northampton are rich in back row options although, with Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam moving on next season, there could be a potential opening.
“I have taken a lot from the various games I have played in this season,” said Pollock, who was spotted by Northampton when he was 13 and at Buckingham. “Bedford was good for me because I had game time there, something some lads struggle for. Making my Premiership debut for my boyhood club in the East Midlands derby was surreal and I have really enjoyed being with the U20s.
“After the first two games (against Italy and Wales) I got a bit complacent and it showed in my performances. I was trying to force my way into games rather than do what came naturally and had messages from the coaches.
“I learned a lot from that. You cannot think too far ahead if you want to become as good as you believe you can be. It is all about gaining experience.”
Pollock believes he could not be at a better club with Northampton having a strong track record in bringing players through their system and quickly giving them a chance to prove themselves.
“I have been here since the Under-13s and worked my way through the age groups,” he said. “It has been an amazing club for me and I trust them totally. Everyone at my level wants to play for the first team, but it is about getting better each day and not getting ahead of yourself.
“I am very lucky to be part of the environment at Northampton. I was integrated with the first team on day one and others elsewhere do not enjoy the same exposure. Iwas training alongside the likes of Courtney, Lewis and Tom Pearson and tried to get as many tips as I could from them. They were really good with me and were open to questions. They have all been a big help to me.”
Northampton’s director of rugby Phil Dowson was a back rower in his p
