Efforts by Eddie Hearn to secure a seven-figure salary for Northampton Saints’ back row Henry Pollock have met resistance from the club’s management. Hearn, who represents Pollock’s commercial interests, has pushed for a contract worth around £1 million, a figure that Northampton officials have described as unrealistic under current salary cap regulations.

Pollock, whose contract with Northampton is set to expire next summer, has been positioned by Hearn as deserving of a substantial pay rise in recognition of his contributions on the field. However, Phil Dowson, Northampton’s director of rugby, emphasized that the club’s financial framework requires careful budgeting and that the proposed salary demands exceed feasible limits.

“We have to make decisions based on our budget,” Dowson said, acknowledging Hearn’s role but underscoring the need for fiscal responsibility. He also noted that Pollock himself is reportedly keen to remain with Northampton and commit to team success. “Henry wants to win stuff, Henry wants to stay and Henry wants to play with that group of players,” Dowson added.

Despite rejecting the million-pound figure as “pie in the sky,” Northampton officials expressed optimism about retaining Pollock’s services beyond the current contract period. The club’s stance highlights the balancing act between player remuneration and salary cap adherence in professional rugby.