Northampton Saints head coach Phil Dowson has provided a positive update on contract negotiations with Henry Pollock, stating that discussions are progressing well. This comes in light of comments from promoter Eddie Hearn, who suggested that Pollock deserves a salary of at least £1 million a season.

Pollock, a standout talent in English rugby, became the first player to sign with Hearn's Matchroom agency earlier this year. Hearn expressed disbelief over Pollock's current salary, estimated at around £150,000, as his contract approaches expiration next summer.

Dowson acknowledged Hearn's role, saying, "Eddie Hearn has a job to do, and that is to promote his client and ask for more money for his client. He’s doing both of those very effectively." He emphasized that while they are keen to retain Pollock, they must operate within their financial constraints:

• Negotiations are ongoing.
• The club aims to balance their budget while keeping key players.

Despite the departure of club captain George Furbank to Harlequins, Dowson remains optimistic about retaining Pollock due to the strong camaraderie within the squad. He noted that Pollock has expressed a desire to win and stay with the Saints, stating, "The appetite is for him to stay. Now, we’ve got to find a happy medium."

Overall, Dowson's remarks reflect the club's commitment to both Pollock and the strategic management of their roster as they navigate the complexities of contract negotiations.