Photo via BBC Sport

'He's an idiot, but he's our idiot' - Saints fans on Pollock contract stand-off

Northampton Saints flanker Henry Pollock remains uncommitted to a new deal, publicly stating he is entertaining other proposals even with terms worth roughly £400,000 annually close to completion. The protracted discussions, guided by Pollock's representative Eddie Hearn who claims the youngster merits £1 million per season, prompted director of rugby Phil Dowson to quip that he wished the dispute had concluded weeks earlier.

The back row played a vital role in Northampton capturing the previous Premiership title, but the drawn-out saga has begun to test the patience of certain supporters on fan boards.

Supporters club chair Lis Saunders noted that while spectators are growing weary of the ongoing spectacle, Franklin's Gardens reliably packs out regardless of Pollock's presence. Local fan and podcaster Charles McGillivray added that while talk of a seven-figure wage exceeds England's salary cap realities, the majority of the fanbase understands the surrounding publicity and hopes the homegrown talent decides to stay.