Henry Pollock has signed a lucrative contract extension with Northampton Saints, reportedly worth over £400,000 a year, ensuring his future with the Premiership champions is secure. The 21-year-old, who has earned 13 England caps, was set to become a free agent next summer, prompting his advisor, Eddie Hearn, to seek a substantial pay rise from his previous deal of £150,000.

Pollock, who joined Hearn’s Matchroom agency in March, was touted as a potential “seven-figure player” worth £1 million a year, although Hearn did not participate in the negotiations. Despite outside speculation, Northampton remained confident in retaining Pollock and confirmed a “multi-year” extension ahead of the new Premiership season.

In a statement, Pollock expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m massively happy to re-sign with Saints, my boyhood club. It’s an exciting place to be right now.” He highlighted the team’s potential for growth, emphasizing camaraderie with teammates.

Having debuted at 17 in 2022, Pollock had previously indicated openness to opportunities abroad. With fellow England internationals like Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith also signing extensions, Pollock aims to lead the charge for the Champions Cup and defend the Prem title this season.

“Winning the Champions Cup is another huge ambition for us,” he noted, reflecting on past near-misses. Phil Dowson, Northampton’s director of rugby, praised Pollock’s on-field impact and his character, stating, “Keeping someone with both his talent and mindset is hugely important for the club.”

As Northampton navigates future contracts, including players like Emmanuel Iyogun and Archie McParland, the club acknowledges potential challenges in retaining all desired talents, following the departure of club captain George Furbank to Harlequins.