Fans split after England u18 captains X-Rated interview

Emotions can be high after a narrow defeat, no more so than when wearing your international colours. This was the unfortunate case for England U18 captain Henry Pollock, as he had to address South African media following his side’s 44-41 defeat to the Springboks U18.

Despite England having outscored the Springboks seven tries to five, a spate of ill-discipline and poor kicking from the tee cost the travelling side on the scoreboard.

The young Springboks on the other hand were absolutely faultless in front of the posts, with both Thurlon Williams and his replacement Stehan Heymans displaying a perfect kicking record to take the victory for the home side.

It has not necessarily been the thrilling display on the field that has the fans talking however, the possibly not media-trained English skipper seems to have caught most of the limelight.

Speaking to South African media after the game, the understandably emotional Pollock dropped four F-bombs in the space of 30 seconds:

England U18 captain Henry Pollock dropping f bombs! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/OTlIV1ZwkR

— Adrian Slabbert (@adrian_slabbert) August 27, 2022

Fans were quick to put across their opinion on whether the young man should have spoken in such a way, with the response appearing to be wildly mixed:

Maybe not the most professional. But good to see someone being authentic.

— Carrick Blake (@analysisguy0502) August 28, 2022

I’ve thought about it and think it’s disrespectful. He’s a schoolboy. No need for the crass language

— Adrian Slabbert (@adrian_slabbert) August 28, 2022

It is really not acceptable even allowing for the emotion

— Brad (@Bigbrad1911) August 27, 2022