Lomu, Wilkinson, Pollock? Rugby's search for a crossover star
Summary
Henry Pollock is a 21-year-old rugby player who has risen quickly in his sport, playing for England and the British and Irish Lions and reaching a top European club final. Promoter Eddie Hearn has signed Pollock to increase his public profile and hopes to raise rugby’s visibility by promoting individual players more widely.Key Facts
- Henry Pollock started two years ago playing in the second-tier rugby league with Bedford.
- He has won 10 caps (appearances) for England and was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
- Pollock played in the Champions Cup final with Northampton and has a growing highlight reel.
- Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn signed Pollock to his talent agency to boost his media presence.
- Public awareness of Pollock is about 37%, which is high for rugby players but lower than top football stars like Jude Bellingham (71%).
- Hearn also signed Bath rugby player Finn Russell to raise rugby’s profile.
- Rugby has had some famous crossover stars like Jonah Lomu and Jonny Wilkinson but these cases are rare.
- Experts say rugby struggles to keep big names in the public eye year-round because international and club rugby are separate products.
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