Henry Pollock earns first start for British and Irish Lions

In June 2025, in Perth, Australia, Henry Pollock, a 20-year-old rugby talent from England, made his debut for the British and Irish Lions, coming off the bench against Argentina in a closely contested match that ended 28-24 in favor of Argentina. Following this game, Pollock received an opportunity to start at No 8 against the Western Force, marking a significant milestone in his early career. With this selection, Pollock became the youngest member of the squad and aimed to solidify his place for potential future Test matches. The Lions captain, Maro Itoje, was rested for this match, allowing hooker Dan Sheehan to take the lead as captain, a momentous occasion as it also marked Sheehan’s own Lions debut alongside several other teammates from Ireland. The British and Irish Lions faced the Western Force, a team noted as the weakest of Australia’s Super Rugby squads, but historically, teams tend to elevate their playing level when facing the Lions. Pollock's initial performance in the previous game showcased his skills, though there were concerns regarding his tackling, which could impact his future role on the team. Andy Farrell, the Lions boss, was optimistic about Pollock's abilities, indicating that he’s not only talented but also has a great attitude, essential for succeeding on such a significant stage as international rugby. Pollock was given a chance to shine at a critical time as selections for the Tests against the Wallabies approached. The combination of young talent like Pollock accompanied by experienced players like Tadhg Furlong offered a mix of energy and skill to the Lions lineup during this tour. Ultimately, this match against the Western Force served not only as a platform for Pollock's future in the squad but also represented a broader opportunity for the Lions to establish their dominance early in the Australian tour.