Northampton criticise Bordeaux after Henry Pollock ‘upset' by foul play after whistle

Telegraph

24-05-2025

Phil Dowson, the Northampton Saints director of rugby, criticised the unsavoury aftermath to a compelling Champions Cup final that saw Henry Pollock 'upset' by a moment of foul play.
Pollock appeared to gesture towards his throat after players from Saints and Bordeaux-Bègles became involved in a scuffle as the final whistle was blown.
The 20-year-old back-rower was subsequently consoled by Andrea Piardi, the assistant referee, with Dowson suggesting that a citing could be forthcoming.
Henry Pollock didn't enjoy getting punched in the throat after full time but in fairness he instigated it.
Hes exactly the type of character rugby needs right now.
He'll be a superstar by the time the Lions series is finished. pic.twitter.com/KNpOdoWHMW
— Jim Demps (@jim_demps) May 24, 2025
'There was a fracas at the end and there was foul play involved,' Dowson said. 'I am assured that the touch-judge saw it.
'There was foul play involved and Henry Pollock was particularly upset by it. I think it was uncalled for, which is why he reacted. The officials are looking into it.'
The incident seemed to begin as Matthieu Jalibert tackled Fraser Dingwall in the game's very last moment. Those two players became tangled until Curtis Langdon, the Northampton hooker, confronted Jalibert.
Pollock initially appeared to act as peacemaker before members of Bordeaux squad, including prop Jefferson Poirot, who had been replaced earlier in the second half, joined the pitch to begin celebrations.
Pollock pushed Poirot in the chest while confronting him before he received a hand to the throat by Bordeaux's Tevita Tatafu, who was not in the match-day squad.
'I don't think there was bad blood,' said Dingwall, the Northampton captain. 'It was lads competing.
'The only thing I questioned at times was how much we can have the values of the game applied on things like appealing.
'We're all for respecting each other and respecting the opposition and I think that's something our players will call out at times.'
Poirot reflected on his delight in the post-match press conference, which was interrupted by a group of chanting Bordeaux players.
'I'm feeling so much joy,' Poirot said. 'I've waited so much time for this and it's the fruit of so much work over the past two seasons.'