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EPCR name player cited over Henry Pollock Champions Cup final scrap

Northampton Saints' Henry Pollock looks disappointed as he walks off the stage during the Investec Champions Cup final match between Northampton Saints and Union Bordeaux-Begles at Principality Stadium on May 24, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Bob Bradford - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Union Bordeaux-Bègles prop Jefferson Poirot has been cited following a much-talked about post-match incident involving Northampton Saints’ back-rower Henry Pollock in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final in Cardiff.

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The complaint alleges Poirot grasped Pollock by the throat in a manner deemed dangerous and contrary to good sportsmanship. The alleged incident occurred shortly after the final whistle of Bordeaux’s 28–20 victory at the Principality Stadium.

The citing was lodged by match commissioner Tim Lowry of Ireland. It falls under Law 9.27, which prohibits actions against the spirit of good sportsmanship. In this case, the act is said to have had the potential to cause serious harm.

The disciplinary hearing will take place via video conference on Thursday 29 May. Simon Thomas (Wales) will chair the panel, joined by Marcello D’Orey (Portugal) and Val Toma (Romania).

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson said after the final that Pollock had been “particularly upset” by the incident. “I think it was uncalled for and out of order,” he said. “He reacted, and the officials have told me that they will deal with it.”

Saints fly-half Fin Smith echoed that sentiment. “They were after him. I don’t think they liked him,” he said. “I’m surprised if you’ve just won a European Cup, the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old.”

Bordeaux’s win marked the fifth consecutive season a French club has lifted the Champions Cup. Saints, bidding for a first European title since 2000, battled hard despite the early loss of George Furbank and James Ramm to injury.

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However, the incident with Pollock and the aftermath has hoovered up headlines, with Bordeaux players pictured mocking the 20-year-old rookie in their post-match celebrations.

Separately, Bath and England flanker Sam Underhill has also been cited after Friday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup final against Lyon.

He is alleged to have tackled Lyon full-back Davit Niniashvili dangerously in the 26th minute, in breach of Law 9.13. The citing was submitted by commissioner Philippe Lenne of Belgium.

He received a yellow for it on the night, although many believed the back-row was lucky not get a straight red for the incident.

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That hearing will be held on Tuesday 27 May. The panel will be chaired by Pamela Woodman (Scotland) and includes Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) and Donal Courtney (Ireland).

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Comments

15 Comments
J
JPM 22 days ago

If you watch the RTE video « hats off to Bordeaux «  on YouTube there is nothing serious happening to Pollock and Poirot is not even involved. On the base of which other video or document is he cited ? A lot of noise for nothing ?

J
Jacque 22 days ago

Please give Pollock & Northmapton their dummy to suck it up.

If you wanna talk crap about a team you KNOW NOTHING about - you must be prepared for ANYTHING that comes your way.

W
Wit Kant 22 days ago

Pollock reminds me a bit of Tom Curry

S
SL 22 days ago

I thought Dowson was a tidy bloke but quite frankly this smacks of childishness and petty revenge. Pollock obviously instigated it because that’s his character and if this is how he and his coach want to behave after losing games to a better team, then all respect for Northampton has now gone.

L
LE 21 days ago

Im sorry but what actually happened was they starting grapping with Langdon, Pollock goes over to intervene and Poirot grabs him by the throat. Dont make assumptions and jump to conclusion to justify your personal bias against Pollock

T
Toaster 22 days ago

Jefferson has his detective brother looking in to it

W
Wagga wagga 22 days ago

The citing was lodged by match commissioner Tim Lowry of Ireland.


Probably still getting over France winning 6 Nations.


There was nothing in it!!! Likely the spoilt little boy instigated it with a puerile snipe.

P
PO 23 days ago

Pollocks antics are contrary to good sportsmanship

G
GrahamVF 23 days ago

You mean like appealing with out flung arms at every ruck?

E
Ed the Duck 23 days ago

Indeed, he should be looking to Poirot for a shining example…

J
J Marc 23 days ago

English citations are more efficient than french ones…

A problem of translation, probably…

T
Tom 22 days ago

J Marc have you heard any info regarding the source of the information that Northampton insulted UBB prior to the match? I can't find any source which confirms they made these statements calling UBB mercenaries which is un peu bizarre! Was it an invention by Yannick Bru to get the players pumped up for the match? If so, it worked!

E
Ed the Duck 23 days ago

Yes, by 48hrs it would appear!

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