Pollock rejected richer offers to extend with Northampton, says Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn says the England back row took less money to stay at his boyhood club through 2028.

Northampton back row Henry Pollock passed up rival contracts worth significantly more than his new Saints deal, according to his adviser Eddie Hearn. The 21-year-old has extended his terms at his boyhood club through the summer of 2028, with the agreement worth more than £400,000 per year.

Hearn, who has advised Pollock since March, said both Premiership clubs and teams abroad pursued the player, with some offers described as "well in excess of seven figures." He said Pollock reviewed the figures but had no hesitation about staying, adding that the player left substantial money behind to remain at Franklin's Gardens.

The basic salary fell short of the target Hearn had set, but a signing bonus and off-field payments bring Pollock's total annual earnings comfortably past £1m, according to his adviser. Hearn said companies across finance, nutrition and wellness sectors have approached Pollock about endorsements.

Pollock is also interested in playing rugby sevens for Great Britain at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though GB's qualification is uncertain after its program went part-time. Hearn said the new deal allows Pollock to explore such opportunities only with the club's agreement, noting his primary obligation is performing for Northampton.

Hearn also argued against the Premiership's £6.4m salary cap, saying players should be free to earn more and warning that losing Pollock would have been damaging for English rugby. He is scheduled to meet Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor in Monaco to discuss potential promotional involvement in the sport.