At the epicenter of English rugby's latest buzz are Henry Pollock and Ellie Kildunne, two figures defining the new dynamic age of the sport. Pollock, merely 20, has already graced a British and Irish Lions tour, while Kildunne, fresh off a World Cup victory with England, has been shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Their actions, both on and off the field, are reshaping the public's engagement with rugby.
During a recent episode of the "For The Love Of Rugby" podcast with Ruby Tui, Dan Cole, and Ben Youngs, Kildunne discussed the evolving expressions of personality in rugby. "The women’s game allows us to express ourselves without judgment, leveraging our gender to push the boundaries and evolve the sport," she explained. This freedom has led to innovative approaches like using social media platforms such as TikTok to expand their audience, highlighted by a dance video featuring Pollock alongside Freddie Steward, Tommy Freeman, and Fin Smith that went viral.
"Kids love it, and that's how we pull in our fans to the games," Kildunne added, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the younger generation.
"Henry Pollock is misunderstood,"
Addressing the misconceptions surrounding Pollock, Kildunne offered a personal insight: "I met Henry the other day, and I genuinely believe he’s so misunderstood. He’s just a kid who’s been thrust into a high-pressure role." Her comments reflect a broader sentiment that Pollock's exuberant persona is not just refreshing but necessary for the sport's growth. "He’s got personality, he’s got freedom to express himself, whether it’s a try celebration or starting a bit of a squabble. People love to see it."
The recent triumph over the All Blacks and the viral dance have not only put a spotlight on these players but have potentially attracted new fans to the sport. "It’s gone viral. So more people now know these four boys' names. They know more about the England team. They might start watching the game if they’ve not watched it before," Kildunne concluded, optimistic about the positive impact of these vibrant new stars on the future of rugby.
Leicester Tigers v Gloucester teams: England star returns while All Blacks forward back from suspension.
2,193 posts
At the epicenter of English rugby's latest buzz are Henry Pollock and Ellie Kildunne, two figures defining the new dynamic age of the sport. Pollock, merely 20, has already graced a British and Irish Lions tour, while Kildunne, fresh off a World Cup victory with England, has been shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Their actions, both on and off the field, are reshaping the public's engagement with rugby.
During a recent episode of the "For The Love Of Rugby" podcast with Ruby Tui, Dan Cole, and Ben Youngs, Kildunne discussed the evolving expressions of personality in rugby. "The women’s game allows us to express ourselves without judgment, leveraging our gender to push the boundaries and evolve the sport," she explained. This freedom has led to innovative approaches like using social media platforms such as TikTok to expand their audience, highlighted by a dance video featuring Pollock alongside Freddie Steward, Tommy Freeman, and Fin Smith that went viral.
"Kids love it, and that's how we pull in our fans to the games," Kildunne added, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the younger generation.
"Henry Pollock is misunderstood,"
Addressing the misconceptions surrounding Pollock, Kildunne offered a personal insight: "I met Henry the other day, and I genuinely believe he’s so misunderstood. He’s just a kid who’s been thrust into a high-pressure role." Her comments reflect a broader sentiment that Pollock's exuberant persona is not just refreshing but necessary for the sport's growth. "He’s got personality, he’s got freedom to express himself, whether it’s a try celebration or starting a bit of a squabble. People love to see it."
The recent triumph over the All Blacks and the viral dance have not only put a spotlight on these players but have potentially attracted new fans to the sport. "It’s gone viral. So more people now know these four boys' names. They know more about the England team. They might start watching the game if they’ve not watched it before," Kildunne concluded, optimistic about the positive impact of these vibrant new stars on the future of rugby.
Leicester Tigers v Gloucester teams: England star returns while All Blacks forward back from suspension.