The Japan Times - England rugby star Pollock signs new Northampton deal

The 21-year-old back-row forward, who has also represented the British and Irish Lions, has agreed a "multi-year" deal, the club announced on Tuesday.

"I'm massively happy to re-sign with Saints, my boyhood club," Pollock said.

"It's an exciting place to be right now. We're in a great spot as a team, but it feels like there's still so much more growth in us."

His advisor, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, had described the back rower as a "seven-figure player" but that was unlikely given the league's £6.4-million squad salary cap.

Pollock's previous contract is understood to have been worth around £150,000 a year.

He had indicated he would consider playing abroad or changing sports altogether as talks over a new contract dragged on.

Pollock, who has played 13 times for England, said in a club statement that Northampton was "exactly where I want to be" at this stage in his career.

"I feel like we're only just getting started," he added. "We won the Prem last season and we want to go again.

"Winning the Champions Cup is another huge ambition for us. We came so close a couple of years ago, and achieving that together would be incredibly special."

Pollock's flamboyant on-pitch persona -- from attempts to rile opponents to elaborate try celebrations -- has helped him attract a legion of young fans.

Northampton's director of rugby Phil Dowson said that keeping him was "hugely important" for the club.

"What's most exciting is that there's still so much more to come from him. Henry is incredibly ambitious and constantly looking for ways to improve," he said.

He added: "He's become an important figure not just for Saints, but for the wider game. He inspires young supporters, brings excitement to rugby, and understands that everything off the pitch is built on performing consistently on it."

M.Matsumoto--JT