Eddie Hearn, the promoter and chairman of Matchroom Sports, is contemplating a move into rugby union with ambitions to transform the sport’s commercial landscape in England. Hearn recently signed England back row Henry Pollock as Matchroom’s first rugby client, signaling the company’s initial step into the rugby market.

Northampton Saints announced that Pollock had committed to a new multi-year contract reportedly worth over £400,000 annually. Despite receiving more lucrative offers, the 21-year-old player chose to remain with the club, with Hearn expressing confidence that Pollock’s rise could serve as a model for how rugby players might build their commercial profiles in the future.

Matchroom Sports, founded in the early 1980s by Hearn’s father Barry, has a history of driving growth in sports such as darts, boxing, and snooker. Eddie Hearn said in an interview that he has upcoming meetings with Premiership Rugby within the next two weeks, after which he will decide whether to pursue involvement in rugby union. He emphasized the opportunity to enter into a partnership aimed at reshaping the sport’s commercial approach.

Hearn criticized the current Gallagher Premiership salary cap, arguing that it limits the sport’s potential growth and restricts player earnings. He suggested that removing the cap would allow players to earn more and stimulate the sport’s expansion in England. “Now it’s time to take the shackles off, take the stabilisers off, and let the players earn their money,” Hearn said.

While Hearn expressed optimism about the changes he believes are needed for rugby’s development, details about the scope of his potential involvement remain uncertain pending discussions with Premiership Rugby. Nevertheless, he indicated that multiple new commercial deals involving Pollock would be announced soon, reflecting an ambition to enhance the marketability of rugby talent.

The prospect of a high-profile sports promoter entering rugby union has generated interest as the sport seeks to increase its commercial appeal amid competition from other major sports in the UK. How Premiership Rugby and other stakeholders will respond to these overtures remains to be seen.