Rugby Rising star Pollock rewarded with improved England deal

HENRY Pollock has been handed an enhanced England contract for the first time as reward for his breakout year in Test match rugby

- writes Ed Elliot.

The 20-year-old back-row has made only one appearance for his country, scoring two tries as a replacement in the 68-14 Six Nations win over Wales in March.

His late-season form for Northampton led to selection for the British and Irish Lions' successful tour of Australia.

Fin Baxter, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Joe Heyes, Tom Roebuck, Will Stuart and Tom Willis have also taken up enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) deals, which are reported to be worth £150,000.

But former captain Owen Farrell, who is back in English rugby with Saracens following a short stint at French club Racing 92, is not on the 25-man list announced by head coach Steve Borthwick.

Fellow Lions tourists Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Jamie George, Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith have each been retained.