Henry Pollock, the 20-year-old England flanker, has been nominated for the prestigious World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award. His meteoric rise began with a stellar performance on his England debut against Wales in March, where he scored two tries. This impressive display led to his selection for the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia, even though he didn't play in any of the Tests. Pollock's high-energy, fast, and relentless work ethic has been a game-changer for England, particularly off the bench this autumn, as evidenced by his crucial try against Australia in November. Among the other nominees for the Breakthrough Player award are Fabian Holland, a lock from New Zealand with Dutch roots, Ethan Hooker from South Africa, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, an Australia cross-code star. For the World Rugby Player of the Year, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, a winger from France, is in the running after an outstanding performance in the 2025 Six Nations, where he scored eight tries, a record in a single championship, as France claimed their 19th title. Last year's winner, Pieter-Steph du Toit, who also won the award in 2019, is back in the running after helping South Africa win back-to-back Rugby Championships. His Springboks teammates, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche, are also contenders for the award, as Rassie Erasmus' side tops the world rankings after a remarkable year. The winners of both awards, along with the men's international try of the year, will be announced on Saturday, promising an exciting and highly anticipated event.
