Eddie Hearn has reiterated his stance that Henry Pollock should become rugby union's first £1million-a-year player, warning that the sport must adapt. The boxing promoter, who represents the 21-year-old flanker, first caused a stir by suggesting Northampton Saints should offer a seven-figure salary during contract negotiations. Now, Hearn argues that Pollock's earning potential is being artificially limited by the salary cap and that English rugby is failing to capitalise on one of its biggest stars.
Pollock's current earnings and value
Pollock is reported to earn around £150,000 a year from Northampton, plus an additional £150,000 through his enhanced England contract. Hearn believes these figures are far below the player's true market worth.
"This isn't a guy you've never heard of," Hearn told Sky Sports. "This is the absolute flagship superstar of English rugby. He is a red-hot superstar of the sport."
"Young kids are scoring tries and trying to replicate him. They're going into local grassroots rugby clubs hoping to be the next Henry Pollock. Season-ticket holders are buying tickets to watch him."
Hearn's vision for rugby's future
Hearn stressed that Pollock has no desire to leave Northampton, but believes the club and English rugby should do everything possible to reward and retain a player who can drive the sport forward.
"He has a fantastic opportunity to change this sport forever in this country and make rugby red hot again," Hearn added. "Rugby is a great sport. It's full of great people. It's full of history. It's full of legacy. We have to make it aspirational across many different levels."
"We need to show young people they can chase championships and legacies themselves and that there's a big financial future within the sport."
Criticism of the salary cap
The Matchroom chief also took aim at Premiership Rugby's salary cap, warning that it prevents clubs from building teams around multiple marquee names.
"I hate this idea of one marquee player," he said. "The structure is completely wrong. I'll be having those meetings with Premiership Rugby to talk about why this is a terrible idea."
"You need to make sure these young players are making as much money as possible. You don't want to limit them. You're never going to drive money into the sport by limiting the opportunity for owners to create winning clubs and big commercial clubs."
"Forget this capping of things and saying you're only allowed one star player. Have a whole team of star players. Let's bring the money into rugby. Let's make sure we can grow these fan bases and create superstars within the team."
"This is all going to filter down to grassroots. More money into the sport, more superstars, more big-name players, bigger viewership across broadcasters. And all of a sudden, the sport becomes hot again."
Hearn's comments follow his initial demand for a £1million salary, which sparked debate over whether rugby can afford to pay its elite players in line with other sports, especially with Premiership clubs operating under a £6.4million salary cap.
