Northampton’s ‘cocky’ Lions bolter lives up to name with Leinster comments

He has earned the right to talk himself up.

The most talked about player in rugby over the last couple of months has been England and Northampton openside, Henry Pollock.

He is an athletic freak for a 20-year-old, with pace, power, and abrasiveness that is up there with the best backrows in the world.

Highlights of his excellent, individual plays and exuberant celebrations, have been widely shared online.

To some he is overly cocky and overrated, while many have praised his character and believe that he is a genuine contender to make the Lions squad.

Ahead of this weekend's Champions Cup semi-final clash with Leinster, he has certainly lived up to his reputation, with a bullish a pre-match tone.

He said: "Being annoying is part of my game.

"I want to wind the opposition up; I want to get under their skin. It is something I relish."

The youngsters was also very complimentary to Leinster's international backrow of Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, and Jack Conan, the latter two he will likely be competing with for a Lions berth.

Pollock added: "It is probably one of the best back rows there is. I am just excited to be able to say I played against them. To share the field with them is special.

"They are beatable. We definitely see parts of their game we can attack and go after and hopefully ruffle a few feathers."