TV host apologises in Henry Pollock interview as England star ‘bad boy’ | Rugby | Sport

Henry Pollock was once more the focal point as the Northampton Saints player rattled his French rivals before swearing in a live TV interview. Pollock’s Northampton Saints secured victory against Castres in their Champions Cup fixture at Franklin’s Gardens, which erupted on several occasions, with Pollock seemingly being singled out.

The England and Lions No. 8 was involved in a confrontation 15 minutes into the European clash. Having already been hit from the kick-off, Pollock took a swift restart metres from the Castres line, but referee Craig Evans blew his whistle, which triggered around 20 players into a brawl.

“It’s sparked Northampton into life, it’s exactly what they need,” Lawrence Dallaglio said on Premier Sports commentary duty.

Moments later, he was in the thick of it once more, with Castres’ Guillaume Ducat sent to the sin-bin for 10 minutes following a nasty clearout on the 21-year-old, which elicited groans from the crowd when displayed on the big screens.

“We have an illegal clearout on green seven, it’s a tucked arm, hit the player in the body, it’s going to a yellow card,” referee Evans explained.

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Pollock appeared to have got into his opponents’ minds significantly, with Enzo Herve sarcastically clapping in his face after Tom Litchfield failed to gather his pass moments later.

Before the match, Castres’ Will Collier had spoken to The Times about Pollock and his celebrations. “Last year a young, blond-haired lad with a black headband caused a stir with an elaborate basketball celebration after scoring a brilliant try,” he said. “Henry Pollock? Not sure what he’s up to now.

“This week one of the boys likened that celebration to the English archers of Agincourt holding up their two fingers to the French in mocking defiance. Whether it is one or 611 years ago, deep battle wounds remain between England and France, and I know the French do not forget them.”

Evidently energised by his contribution to Saints’ triumph, which ended 49-41, Pollock was interviewed by Premier Sports’ Ryan Wilson after the match and, carried away by adrenaline, he got swept up in the occasion.

“Here, Matchmaker…” Wilson joked, a nod to Pollock’s gaffe last weekend when he mistakenly called his new sporting agency Matchroom by the incorrect name.

“Did you have a celebration lined up?”

Pollock responded with a chuckle: “Nah, mate, it’s all good.”

Wilson then said: “You didn’t even need to score last week to get the old punches (celebration) out!”

Pollock replied: “I know mate, I know! What a performance today, that was class,” before he unleashed a swear word censored by Premier Sports. “We made it hard for ourselves, Jesus!”

Wilson swiftly interjected with an apology: “Sorry about the bad language, he’s a bad boy!”

Pollock ended the conversation by declaring: “It was a great performance by the boys and roll on next week, we are excited for it.”