Not keen on this development….
Not keen on this development….
349 posts
Eddie Hearn, a name synonymous with boxing promotion, has recently ventured into the rugby scene by signing England flanker Henry Pollock to his Matchroom Talent Agency. However, Hearn suggests that if rugby were to make a splash in Saudi Arabia, it would be Pollock, not the sport itself, that would draw the crowds.
Hearn, known for his role in elevating boxing's profile, has successfully introduced various sports into Saudi Arabia, including snooker and darts. His recent acquisition of Pollock, alongside UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, marks a new chapter for Matchroom. "I honestly believe he can single-handedly ignite this sport, and I am delighted to welcome him to the Matchroom family," Hearn remarked during the announcement of the 21-year-old's signing. The idea of introducing rugby to the Middle East isn't new. Last year, the president of Rugby Asia, Qais Al Dhalai, revealed that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE were considering a joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup. This indicates a growing interest in the sport in the region, despite the controversies surrounding major sporting events there, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which faced criticism over human rights concerns.
"I think it’s a natural development and progression in any sport,"
Hearn responded when asked about rugby's prospects in Saudi Arabia on The Big Jim Show with Scotland international Jim Hamilton. He referenced the transformation he's witnessed in Saudi Arabia since first bringing boxing there in 2018, highlighting the societal changes spurred by international sports and entertainment events. Despite these developments, Hearn believes that Saudi interest in rugby might be more about the allure of individual stars like Pollock rather than the sport itself. "They’re probably looking at Henry Pollock going, 'We need to bring Henry Pollock to the Kingdom,'" he explained. This focus on star power could potentially shape how rugby is introduced and developed in the region. Furthermore, Hearn hinted at the possibility of creating a bespoke event centered around Pollock, drawing parallels to how other sports have been adapted to fit the Saudi audience. "We took darts and snooker to Saudi Arabia, and they built the Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker Academy," he noted, illustrating the potential for rugby to similarly engage with the Saudi public through high-profile athletes. In conclusion, while rugby's journey into Saudi Arabia might still be in its nascent stages, the involvement of figures like Henry Pollock and promoters like Eddie Hearn could pave the way for a new era of sport in the region, blending athletic prowess with entertainment to capture the imagination of a new audience.