Is Henry Pollock’s biggest problem Eddie Hearn?

Henry Pollock’s early days with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency have not been a smooth ride, resembling more of a haphazard marketing strategy than a focused attempt to elevate the sport. The sight of Pollock in the front rows of Katie Taylor’s fight in Croke Park, accompanying Hearn on a yacht during the summer, and being subjected to numerous briefings about his potential £1m per season salary – a figure Northampton Saints cannot afford – reminds me of the pitfalls that befell Danny Cipriani when he joined First Access Sports alongside footballers like Ryan Bertrand and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

While Hearn’s agency was intended to be a significant leap between rugby and stardom, Cipriani’s international career never truly soared as it should have. Similarities between Cipriani and Pollock exist, but Pollock, who isn’t currently favored to start for England under Steve Borthwick, has his attention drawn elsewhere. Louis Rees-Zammit, another talented player, was even tempted by the NFL, but he hasn’t expressed the same interest in entering a new sport like Pollock.

Despite the excitement surrounding Pollock, I question whether he could be a successful mixed martial artist against Tom Aspinall. I believe he would not be. A potential concern is that Pollock may be overvalued by his agent, being promised a £1m per season salary in real terms, although his true worth might be even higher in brand value.

What if Pollock were to join Newcastle Red Bulls under this new contract but fail to win titles like he has at Northampton? Such a scenario could lead to his exclusion from the England team, and subsequently, Hearn might also drop him. Hearn is accustomed to managing high-profile individuals, but the nature of their sports is different.

One misstep by Pollock on the field could be mitigated by his teammates, while every triumph and setback is shared with others – a challenging narrative to construct for a promoter. In contrast, fellow Matchroom Talent Agency rugby player Finn Russell appears to be maintaining a level-headed approach, having recently gotten married.

It is conceivable that Russell would dismiss Hearn and co.’s extravagant proposals, as he is not considering the ring or NRL at present. He still embodies one of the best in his position globally. As for the future, if Pollock re-signs with Northampton Saints on a significantly better wage – estimated to be around £400,000 annually, up from his current £150,000 – it would be a prudent choice.

However, I would not be surprised if he is persuaded by Hearn and others to join the World Cup with a visit to Australia and the NRL. I would not anticipate Pollock to compete in the ring. Cipriani, one of England's greatest players who failed to reach his full potential for various reasons, serves as a cautionary tale. I simply hope that Pollock’s rugby interests remain his top priority.

Losing him would be a tremendous regret for the sport. Former England Sevens captain Ollie Phillips, the founder of Optimist Performance, offers his thoughts on the matter.