British & Irish Lions: Henry Pollock youngest member of squad

Banbury-born Pollock, who scored two tries on his England debut in the 68-14 Six Nations destruction of Wales in March, is the youngest member of the touring party at just 20 years of age.

The Northampton Saints flanker became the youngest player to score for England in a men’s Six Nations game, beating the previous record set by Henry Arundell against Italy in 2023.

Pollock joined the Saints’ senior academy ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, having been within the academy set-up since his Under-13 season.

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He debuted for the first team in the 2022/23 Premiership Rugby Cup a season before signing his first professional contract, and made a further four appearances in the 2023/24 campaign, including a Premiership debut against Leicester Tigers. This season, Pollock has 10 tries in 20 appearances.

Lions head coach Andy Farrell has named Maro Itoje as captain, in what will be the skipper’s third tour.

Farrell told the Lions website: “Since we met as a coaching unit for the very first time six weeks ago we have been discussing more than 75 players of interest.

“But the key job is getting that squad balance right as we prepare for a long and demanding tour that finishes with a three test series against the Wallabies.

“I am very excited about working with this group and believe they have the capacity to achieve something special and add to the Lions legacy.”