Latest news with #Pollock
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Lions star Henry Pollock's bench press, squat and bronco numbers leave coach in awe
Lions star Henry Pollock's bench press, squat and bronco numbers leave coach in awe Henry Pollock is potentially the breakout star of this Lions tour and makes his debut from the bench against Argentina Henry Pollock is in charge of the Lions tour mascot, known as Bill (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) You'd be forgiven for thinking Henry Pollock was born in Bundaberg rather than Banbury, because in many ways he is a prodigious, swashbuckling talent straight from Aussie central casting. Swaggering confidence and an unstinting self-belief beyond his years combine with a natural flair for getting under the skin of his opponents. He even has the makings of a very strong mullet and is every bit the viral baller – the sort you love to play for you but hate to play against. Think David Campese, but with muscles. Pollock's journey from schoolboy rugby to becoming the youngest forward to play for the British & Irish Lions since 1968 may seem meteoric – he's played barely 40 games at senior level – but it comes as no surprise to him or anyone who knows him. 'It's been mad, the last year's just come so fast,' he said. 'It's been crazy and I'm just trying to enjoy every moment of it, take it all in, and just enjoy rugby and enjoy the moment. 'I've got a great family unit around me and I always look to them and friends whenever I'm on my own or in a dark space. Article continues below 'I'm just working hard and giving everything to my rugby now, no distractions. I'm trying to put more muscle on, working on attack and defence, and across my whole game. I'm definitely not the finished article, so there's definitely more to come. 'I'm here to play Test rugby, that's what I'm pushing for, but I'm also trying to enjoy the journey and just take in all the moments that come with being a Lion.' Those who played a part in Pollock's journey universally speak of his single-mindedness to improve, pushing himself in every training session, beyond the limits of most team-mates. His strength and conditioning coach at Northampton, Jason Sivil, has witnessed the 20-year-old's hard work with awe, while some fans have described him as a "freak". He has bulked up to over 100kg and can squat 230kg for three reps and bench press 140kg. His aerobic capacity means he can cover the lung-burning 'broncho' – a 1200-metre shuttle run dreaded at clubs up and down the country – in just four minutes and 25 seconds. 'He always wants more, always wants another challenge. All Henry wants to do is push himself further and harder,' said Sivil. Pollock's memories of the last Lions tour to Australia in 2013 are sketchy – though in fairness, he'd only just started playing for the minis at Buckingham Swans, where his first coach, Nick Glister, was quick to identify his raw promise. 'I just remember how strong he was, and super-fit too,' he recalls. 'He was confident, a bit cheeky and very local, but a great team-mate. You could see he was a natural leader.' Former Northampton player Grant Seely helped take Pollock's game to the next level at rugby institution Stowe School, while he joined the academy at Saints in his early teens, crediting coach Will Parkin as his biggest influence. However, it wasn't until his Sixth Form that those guiding his career realised his potential to become a generational player for club, country and – though perhaps a little quicker than even they thought – the Lions. Pollock, like the Wallabies' brilliant rugby league convert Joseph Sua'ali'i, will arrive in Australia as one of the most talked-about players in the game, such has been his rapid ascent. Some might label him a 'bolter' – but in truth, when his name was revealed to fans by Andy Farrell at London's O2, there were universal nods of approval and not a single arched eyebrow of surprise. In the last 12 months, he has won the Under-20 World Cup and scored two tries on his England debut against Wales, quickly glossing over the fact that, with two Scottish parents, he grew up preferring a thistle to a rose. He has forced his way into Farrell's selection thoughts not just on the strength of his personality, but the power of his play. Players may be tracked to the inch by their GPS data, but Pollock's game is about more than just those cold, hard metrics – which is perhaps why Maro Itoje, when asked to describe him in one word, couldn't decide between 'annoying' and 'pest', while being quick to add it was meant as a compliment. 'I'm going to be the nuisance, I'm going to get up in your face because I'm at my best when I'm confrontational, that's just key to my game,' adds Pollock. 'I'm aggressive – it's been that way since my brother and I were in the back garden and we both liked to win. I'm not looking for trouble, but I'm not shying away from it either. I'm still grafting and still really learning my game.' And this is more than just fighting talk, as anyone among the 6,000 at the Stoop for his England A debut last November will testify. Towering Aussie flanker Tom Hooper had given the then-teenager a couple of cheeky digs in an attempt to assert some authority, and Pollock wasn't having it. Despite the height, weight, age and experience difference, he stood up to the Exeter-bound blindside flanker, hurling his scrum cap across the pitch as a scuffle ensued. Following a stern word from the referee, Pollock jogged back to his team-mates with a broad grin – mission accomplished. And then there are the celebrations: the basketball lob, or now-trademark 'pulse' – two fingers held to the neck as if to check for signs of life. Australian rugby has a proud history of showmen, including current star Nick Frost, arguably the Wallabies' most athletically gifted lock forward since the great John Eales. Pollock might be from half a world away, but he is cut from similar cloth. Hard work has got Pollock to this point, but genetics have helped too – he credits his mum, Hester, with instilling his love of sport, with swimming and triathlon taking equal focus alongside rugby in his early teens. 'My brother, sister and I just all lived for sports – there was no pressure on us, we just played without fear or commitment,' he added. Of course, being the youngest tourist brings additional responsibilities. Pollock will have sole guardianship of the stuffed toy Lion, aptly named 'BIL', and there are serious consequences should it go missing – not easy when more experienced hands have been known to steal and hide him at every available opportunity. 'I'm thinking of sewing an AirTag in him,' joked Pollock – a very Gen Z solution to a tradition that started in 1950, with now-captain Itoje taking the role eight years ago in New Zealand, a challenge he jokingly described as more stressful than battling the All Blacks. Article continues below Pollock isn't sure he's going to get much support from Northampton team-mates Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith in his quest to keep 'BIL' safe, but there is no doubt about the tight bond between the four Saints. 'It's so nice to have the boys with me – they're some of my best mates,' he added. 'It's so special to do this with them. They're amazing players and they deserve this. I'm just so happy for them and so happy to be there with their journey, and just looking forward to seeing them rip in.' Rip in? He just might be an Aussie after all.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Record-breaking Lions talent Henry Pollock is all set to take Australia by storm
Pollock's swaggering confidence and an unstinting self-belief beyond his years combine with a natural flair for getting under the skin of his opponents You'd be forgiven for thinking Henry Pollock was born in Bundaberg rather than Banbury, because in many ways he is a prodigious, swashbuckling talent straight from Aussie central casting. Swaggering confidence and an unstinting self-belief beyond his years combine with a natural flair for getting under the skin of his opponents. He even has the makings of a very strong mullet and is every bit the viral baller – the sort you love to play for you but hate to play against. Think David Campese, but with muscles. Pollock's journey from schoolboy rugby to becoming the youngest forward to play for the British & Irish Lions since 1968 may seem meteoric – he's played barely 40 games at senior level – but it comes as no surprise to him or anyone who knows him. 'It's been mad, the last year's just come so fast,' he said. 'It's been crazy and I'm just trying to enjoy every moment of it, take it all in, and just enjoy rugby and enjoy the moment. I've got a great family unit around me and I always look to them and friends whenever I'm on my own or in a dark space. 'I'm just working hard and giving everything to my rugby now, no distractions. I'm trying to put more muscle on, working on attack and defence, and across my whole game. I'm definitely not the finished article, so there's definitely more to come. 'I'm here to play Test rugby, that's what I'm pushing for, but I'm also trying to enjoy the journey and just take in all the moments that come with being a Lion.' Those who played a part in Pollock's journey universally speak of his single-mindedness to improve, pushing himself in every training session, beyond the limits of most team-mates. His strength and conditioning coach at Northampton, Jason Sivil, has witnessed the 20-year-old's hard work with awe. He has bulked up to over 100kg and can squat 230kg for three reps and bench press 140kg. His aerobic capacity means he can cover the lung-burning 'broncho' – a 1200-metre shuttle run dreaded at clubs up and down the country – in just four minutes and 25 seconds. 'He always wants more, always wants another challenge. All Henry wants to do is push himself further and harder,' said Sivil. Pollock's memories of the last Lions tour to Australia in 2013 are sketchy – though in fairness, he'd only just started playing for the minis at Buckingham Swans, where his first coach, Nick Glister, was quick to identify his raw promise. 'I just remember how strong he was, and super-fit too,' he recalls. 'He was confident, a bit cheeky and very local, but a great team-mate. You could see he was a natural leader.' Former Northampton player Grant Seely helped take Pollock's game to the next level at rugby institution Stowe School, while he joined the academy at Saints in his early teens, crediting coach Will Parkin as his biggest influence. However, it wasn't until his Sixth Form that those guiding his career realised his potential to become a generational player for club, country and – though perhaps a little quicker than even they thought – the Lions. Pollock, like the Wallabies' brilliant rugby league convert Joseph Sua'ali'i, will arrive in Australia as one of the most talked-about players in the game, such has been his rapid ascent. Some might label him a 'bolter' – but in truth, when his name was revealed to fans by Andy Farrell at London's O2, there were universal nods of approval and not a single arched eyebrow of surprise. In the last 12 months, he has won the Under-20 World Cup and scored two tries on his England debut against Wales, quickly glossing over the fact that, with two Scottish parents, he grew up preferring a thistle to a rose. He has forced his way into Farrell's selection thoughts not just on the strength of his personality, but the power of his play. Players may be tracked to the inch by their GPS data, but Pollock's game is about more than just those cold, hard metrics – which is perhaps why Maro Itoje, when asked to describe him in one word, couldn't decide between 'annoying' and 'pest', while being quick to add it was meant as a compliment. 'I'm going to be the nuisance, I'm going to get up in your face because I'm at my best when I'm confrontational, that's just key to my game,' adds Pollock. 'I'm aggressive – it's been that way since my brother and I were in the back garden and we both liked to win. I'm not looking for trouble, but I'm not shying away from it either. I'm still grafting and still really learning my game.' And this is more than just fighting talk, as anyone among the 6,000 at the Stoop for his England A debut last November will testify. Towering Aussie flanker Tom Hooper had given the then-teenager a couple of cheeky digs in an attempt to assert some authority, and Pollock wasn't having it. Despite the height, weight, age and experience difference, he stood up to the Exeter-bound blindside flanker, hurling his scrum cap across the pitch as a scuffle ensued. Following a stern word from the referee, Pollock jogged back to his team-mates with a broad grin – mission accomplished. And then there are the celebrations: the basketball lob, or now-trademark 'pulse' – two fingers held to the neck as if to check for signs of life. Australian rugby has a proud history of showmen, including current star Nick Frost, arguably the Wallabies' most athletically gifted lock forward since the great John Eales. Pollock might be from half a world away, but he is cut from similar cloth. Hard work has got Pollock to this point, but genetics have helped too – he credits his mum, Hester, with instilling his love of sport, with swimming and triathlon taking equal focus alongside rugby in his early teens. 'My brother, sister and I just all lived for sports – there was no pressure on us, we just played without fear or commitment,' he added. Of course, being the youngest tourist brings additional responsibilities. Pollock will have sole guardianship of the stuffed toy Lion, aptly named 'BIL', and there are serious consequences should it go missing – not easy when more experienced hands have been known to steal and hide him at every available opportunity. 'I'm thinking of sewing an AirTag in him,' joked Pollock – a very Gen Z solution to a tradition that started in 1950, with now-captain Itoje taking the role eight years ago in New Zealand, a challenge he jokingly described as more stressful than battling the All Blacks. Pollock isn't sure he's going to get much support from Northampton team-mates Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith in his quest to keep 'BIL' safe, but there is no doubt about the tight bond between the four Saints. 'It's so nice to have the boys with me – they're some of my best mates,' he added. 'It's so special to do this with them. They're amazing players and they deserve this. I'm just so happy for them and so happy to be there with their journey, and just looking forward to seeing them rip in.' Rip in? He just might be an Aussie after all.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts youngster handed new deal after impressing under former Celtic star at Championship club
Hearts have announced they have handed a new deal to one of their brightest prospects. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hearts have rewarded young midfielder Finlay Pollock for his progression over the last year with a new contract. The Scotland Under-19 international has made eight senior appearances for the club and scored his maiden first-team goal in a League Cup win against Stirling Albion in July 2021. After spending time on loan with East Fife during the second half of the same season, Pollock enjoyed another productive stint away from Tynecastle last season as he joined Championship club Raith Rovers on a season-long deal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A return of six goals in 25 appearances was enough to see Pollock named as the club's young player of the year - although his season was curtailed by an injury suffered in a win against Ayr United. However, he will now return to Tynecastle this summer and will hope to force his way into the Hearts side under new manager Derek McInnes after impressing working under former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Barry Robson during his time with Raith. Pollock was not the only Hearts youngster to commit to the club this week after B Team prospect Gus Stevenson put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract extension. The versatile youngster has made 43 appearances over the last two seasons and his impact has been praised by B Team head coach Angus Beith. He said: 'We're delighted that Gus has extended his contract by a further year. He is someone who has a strong passion for the game which, as a coach, makes him a joy to work with. Gus had to deal with some unity setbacks last season which hampered his consistency and game minutes. However, with his attitude and willingness to improve, alongside his exciting qualities, we are confident that Gus can thrive next season, with the support and challenge of all the coaching staff." What have Hearts said about Finlay Pollock's new contract? Raith's Finlay Pollock was named the Kirkcaldy club's Young Player of the Year (Pic by Ross Parker/SNS Group) A club statement released on Thursday read: 'The club is pleased to announce that Finlay Pollock has signed a one-year contract extension, taking his current deal to the summer of 2027. A product of the Hearts Academy, Finlay signed his first professional contract with the club in 2021, shortly after making his first team debut against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tynecastle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Injuries robbed the attacker of valuable game time in the campaigns that followed, but season 24/25 saw Pollock return to form in fine fashion. Having begun the season impressing in the Lowland League with Hearts B, the 21-year-old made the move to Raith Rovers on loan in September. Under Rovers' boss Barry Robson, Pollock found himself in a new role, playing as a central striker, using his pace to stretch defences and with the coaching of former Jambo Colin Cameron, Finlay hit form, scoring six goals as the Stark's Park side pushed for the playoffs. 'It was a frustrating end to the season for Pollock, who missed the final four matches of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained in a victory over Ayr United. That didn't stop Finlay from picking up Rovers' Young Player of the Year Award at their end of season awards and he now puts pen to paper on an extra 12 months in Gorgie as he continues his recovery.' Your next Hearts read: Tony Bloom Hearts investment proposal takes latest step as timeline for completion emerges
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Henry Pollock threatened with immediate Lions fine as cameras capture panic in camp
Henry Pollock threatened with immediate Lions fine as cameras capture panic in camp The 20-year-old was quick to point the finger of blame at one of his team-mates Pollock was left baffled as he told his team-mates what had happened (Image: British Lions/YouTube ) British & Irish Lions star Henry Pollock risked being issued with a fine in his first week of training despite being given a stern warning by captain Maro Itoje. The 20-year-old England international is the youngest player to be named in Andy Farrell's squad for this summer's tour of Australia and, as is tradition with the Lions, was handed ownership duties of the tour mascot - a toy lion called BiL - during their warm-weather camp in Portugal last week. Pollock was handed the stuffed animal by Itoje - who himself looked after BiL during the 2017 tour to New Zealand - and the skipper had some stern advice to issue to his international team-mate, warning him what would happen if he were to lose his new companion. "Henry, you have to have this on you at all times," said Itoje. "You have to take it to every training session. When we're in camp at the hotel, it has to be by your side. "Every time BiL goes wandering or missing, it's going to be a fine yet to be determined by the fines committee. The only time you're not allowed to have it with you is when you're on social. "But apart from that, this is basically your new girlfriend." Article continues below However, while the rules had been made clear to Pollock, the one-cap England back rower did not heed his captain's advice as he brought BiL along to training and placed it down next to a cameraman before joining in with the session. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. As is shown in the newly released first episode of the Lions' YouTube series The Ultimate Test, while Pollock was busy training, Ireland star Bundee Aki then decided to pull a prank on the Englishman and hid BiL behind a pile of mats and gym equipment. A baffled Pollock is then seen walking back over to where he left the lion, alongside Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams. The Welshman is heard asking him: "You've lost it?" to which Pollock says "I don't know, I was running and I went back and it wasn't there." Content cannot be displayed without consent As Pollock began to panic, the cameras cut to him explaining what had happened to a group of his team-mates. "I was training, I left it somewhere," he said, with his England team-mate Alex Mitchell replying: "You're meant to know!" Pollock continued: "I'm training, I come back and it's not there," before he quickly turned his attention to Aki, pointing at the Irish centre and saying "you". Aki, who clearly has a reputation in camp as a bit of a prankster, pretended to be shocked and offended by Pollock laying the blame at his door, as he replied: "Woah, that's a big accusation!" Fortunately for Pollock, he was soon able to locate BIL and was later seen carrying the lion around with him during his gym session, having seemingly avoided being hit with a fine. The English sensation is the latest in a long line of players to be handed the mascot to look after during a Lions tour, with former Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit holding that honour during the 2021 tour of South Africa. Before him, it was Itoje, while Scotland's Stuart Hogg admitted to struggling with the role on the 2013 tour of Australia, with BiL's long mane triggering his allergies and causing his eyes to "puff up". Article continues below BiL was introduced after his predecessor, Leo, was carried around for four summer tours, with Leigh Halfpenny, Matt Stevens and Jonny Wilkinson among those to be put in charge of him.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shorty's Pins x Pints to expand into former Voodoo Brewery space on North Shore
Herky Pollock is ready to expand Shorty's Pins x Pints into a closed former craft brewpub on the North Shore. At a Downtown Dialogs panel discussion held at Point Park University's Lawrence Hall on Wednesday evening, Pollock revealed his new plan amid an ongoing discussion about downtown and its various needs, particularly for retail. 'We're going to take over Voodoo Brewery and expand Shorty's,' Pollock said. Shorty's is located at 353 N. Shore Dr. on the North Shore, next to where Voodoo Brewing had been located in the same building. Click here to read more from our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
