Bordeaux-Bègles’ Champions Cup triumph should have been all champagne and confetti, but instead it’s Henry Pollock memes and a dash of French mischief stealing the spotlight this Sunday.
The Top 14 side’s players were caught poking fun at the 20-year-old Northampton No.8 in the aftermath of their 28–20 win in Cardiff, sparking a flurry of finger-pointing, online sniping and good old-fashioned rugby banter between fans on X.
UBB players, including fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and head coach Yannick Bru, were caught on camera appearing to single out the 20-year-old England back-rower during post-match celebrations.
Their actions have drawn criticism from journalists, players and Saints’ supporters alike, stirring debate over where the line sits between competitive edge and disrespect.
Respected Northampton Chronicle journalist Tom Vickers summed up the mood of many in Saints circles, posting on X: “Saints boss Phil Dowson: “Credit to Bordeaux. It was a fantastic performance and we saw their quality across the pitch. I hope they enjoy their celebrations.” UBB 10 Matthieu Jalibert and head coach Yannick Bru mocking 20-year-old Henry Pollock last night… You can’t buy class.”
🏆 Champions d’Europe, ils peuvent chambrer Pollock 😊
Celle-là je vais me l’encadrer @MattJalibert et @YannBru 😁#NORvUBB #WeareUBB #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/B3755qCqI8— catourneovale (@catourneovale) May 25, 2025
That sentiment was echoed in Saints quarters on social media, with one fan remarking sarcastically: “Whilst the fans should have been out celebrating their success they decided trolling and mocking was a much better way to spend their time.”
Others were more direct. “Crazy the amount of shit Henry Pollock is getting from fans and UBB players mocking a 20YO,” wrote former Saints hooker and Fiji international Sam Matavesi. “Surely we need players like him growing the game. What a player and what a bloke!!”
The Champions Cup final certainly ended in bad blood, with Jalibert and others confronting Pollock after the final whistle.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the France international claimed that Saints players had made remarks before the match that UBB took personally.
“I told him (Pollock) that he didn’t know our club,” said Jalibert. “They said some things in the press which we didn’t really appreciate… They said that we were a club of mercenaries who are here for the money. I just told him that he doesn’t know our history, where we came from and that he must respect all clubs.”
Despite Jalibert’s explanation, many observers have questioned why Bordeaux’s celebrations appeared to revolve so heavily around one opposition player. “I am surprised if you have just won a European Cup, the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old,” said Saints and Lions fly-half Fin Smith. “I felt that was interesting.”
Photos later emerged from the Bordeaux changing room showing players posing with two fingers on their necks, mocking Pollock’s celebration against Leinster in Saints’ epic Champions Cup semi-final win in Dublin.
Yet for all the outrage, others see Pollock as a player opponents will have to get used to disliking. “Henry Pollock already getting in players’ heads,” wrote rugby analyst Paul Williams. “From all sorts of teams. He’ll drive the Australian supporters mental.”
Some fans pushed back against the criticism directed at the rookie, with one posting: “And again for those slagging off Henry Pollock, one: you either didn’t watch the game yesterday, have no clue about rugby, or are just a pathetic attempt of a human. Look at the stats, and the fact he’s a kid playing in a major final for the first time? He’s class.”
Pollock’s rise this season has been meteoric. Still only 20, he has become a breakout star for Saints and England, and can now look forward to a British & Irish Lions tour in Australia.
While the debate over Bordeaux’s behaviour continues, what’s not in doubt is that Pollock has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the game.
