England rugby has defended Henry Pollock after the young forward was caught on video making dismissive gestures towards Argentina fans before the World Cup semi-final. The incident, which occurred on the streets of Buenos Aires, has sparked debate about player conduct and national pride.
Henry Pollock Gestures Spark Controversy
Footage emerged on Instagram showing Pollock and teammates pulling faces and shushing the crowd from the team bus. This happened amid heightened Anglo-Argentinian relations, with players warned about personal safety. One fan even stepped forward and attempted to hit the bus.
Coach Steve Borthwick Defends Pollock
England head coach Steve Borthwick described the actions as “good natured” and emphasized the importance of character in rugby. “We want character in our game and Henry’s full of character,” Borthwick said. He noted that Pollock was disappointed not to start despite scoring a hat-trick off the bench against Fiji.
| Player | Action | Coach Response |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Pollock | Gestures to Argentina fans | Defended as good natured |
| Teammates | Pulling faces, shushing | No disciplinary action |
| Argentina fans | Rude hand signals | Warning about safety |
Key Takeaways from the Incident
- Pollock’s gestures were caught on video in Buenos Aires
- Borthwick insists it was good natured and not malicious
- Pollock remains benched despite strong performance
- Players were warned about safety outside the hotel
- England rugby emphasizes character and pride
FAQ
What did Henry Pollock do to Argentina fans?
Henry Pollock was caught on video making dismissive gestures, including shushing and pulling faces, towards Argentina fans from the England team bus.
How did Steve Borthwick respond to the incident?
Steve Borthwick defended Pollock, saying the gestures were good natured and came from a place of pride and character, not malice.
Will Henry Pollock start in the next match?
No, Borthwick opted for an unchanged starting lineup, leaving Pollock on the bench despite his hat-trick performance against Fiji.
This incident highlights the passion and pressure of international rugby. England remains focused on the match while managing player conduct off the field.
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