Ben Kay: British and Irish Lions call-up for 'Test match animal' Henry Pollock justified by performances on 'biggest of stages'
Published 09/05/2025 at 15:20 GMT+1
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Ben Kay believes Henry Pollock's inclusion in the British and Irish Lions squad is justified, given his performances "on the biggest of stages". The 20-year-old has enjoyed a superb breakthrough season, making his England debut in March before playing a pivotal role in Northampton reaching the Champions Cup final, and Kay thinks he has what it takes to deliver on the Lions tour this summer.
Kay feels ‘test match animal’ Pollock selection justified – ‘Done it on the biggest stages’
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Ben Kay said he "can’t think of many better entrances into world rugby" than Henry Pollock’s after the 20-year-old’s inclusion in the British and Irish Lions squad.
The Northampton Saints player was named in Andy Farrell’s 38-player squad on Thursday for this summer’s tour of Australia following a sensational breakthrough campaign.
The back row only made his England debut in March but created an instant impression as he came off the bench to score two tries against Wales in the Six Nations.
Pollock has also impressed in Northampton Saints’ run to the Champions Cup final, and Kay believes his ability to perform "on the biggest stages" proves he is ready for a first Lions tour.
Discussing Pollock’s remarkable breakthrough, the former England player told TNT Sports: "We may be guilty in the media of bigging up players before their time, but in terms of the raw materials and talent and how well he's taken every step in his career, I can't think of many better entrances into the world game.
"He's done it on the biggest of stages, coming off the bench in the Six Nations game, and then last weekend in the Leinster-Northampton game, he was the star of the show.
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"That's a big game, that is backing up all your words and everything that everyone's said about this kid coming through, in the biggest arena.
"And that's what you need, you need Test match animals, and the biggest stars in the game are the people with the biggest personalities that can deal with that."
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Pollock, who is the youngest player in the squad, has been selected ahead of the likes of Scotland's Jamie Ritchie, England's Ben Curry and Welsh Lions veteran Taulupe Faletau.
With the squad selection being announced in front of a live audience for the first time, Pollock’s inclusion was greeted with the biggest cheers by the 2,000 fans watching inside London’s O2 Arena.
Pollock delivered a superb performance against Leinster last weekend in the Champions Cup semi-final as Northampton edged to a 37-34 victory.
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Image credit: Getty Images
Asked whether this display had clinched Pollock’s spot in the squad, Farrell said: "I wasn't certain, but I wouldn't say I needed convincing.
"I like what I see, like all top players he is always trying to make a difference - there is an energy and bounce about him."
Farrell misses out but hopes of fourth tour not over
One notable omission from the squad was England fly-half Owen Farrell, who was bidding to become a four-time Lions tourist.
The former England captain, and son of head coach Andy, has endured a difficult first campaign with Racing 92, with disruptions caused by a groin issue and the sacking of former England head coach Stuart Lancaster.
Kay has said the 33-year-old's inclusion would have been a controversial one, but believes he will be first in line should something happen to the fly-halves included in the 38-man squad.
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"I think it would have been very difficult for him to name Owen Farrell today, and for any other story to be about anything else apart from Owen Farrell and whether it's the right decision," Kay said.
"But if Finn Russell or Fin Smith or even Marcus Smith were to get injured a week before the first Test, I imagine he's probably on his speed dial list anyway, being his son, but I'd be very surprised if they didn't bring Owen Farrell in as a replacement.
"Because I think not only his experience, but also if he walks through your team room door, there's going to be a lot of respect from the peers that you're going to have to bond with very, very quickly."
Head coach Farrell said his son's fitness issues prevented his inclusion, but echoed Kay's point that he may yet be called upon.
He said: "Owen was in the conversation obviously, an experienced player like that, looking for his fourth tour and with his leadership qualities.
"But it got to a point, like with a few others, where he is still trying to find his way back to fitness.
"There are 38 picked, which leaves a couple of slots open for us down the track, if and when needed. Owen and a few other guys would be in that type of bracket."
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