Henry Pollock, a promising 20-year-old English rugby player, has an exciting and demanding six weeks ahead of him during the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. In addition to mastering the intricacies of the Lions’ playbook, he has a quirky responsibility: he will be looking after the team’s mascot, a stuffed lion named ‘BIL’ (British Irish Lion). This tradition dates back to the Lions’ tours in 1950 and has always fallen to the youngest player on tour.
BIL is a significant presence among the team, requiring Pollock to take it to all events, training sessions, and matches. Lions captain Maro Itoje, who had this duty during the 2017 tour, has made it clear how essential it is for Pollock to keep the mascot close at all times. Each time BIL is misplaced, it results in fines, underscoring the weight of this somewhat unusual obligation.
However, Pollock’s journey got off to a rocky start when teammate Bundee Aki cheekily hid BIL during their first training session, adding to the playful pressures he faces. Pollock humorously considers options like tagging the mascot to prevent further mishaps.
Pollock, known for his athleticism, is keen to make a lasting impression during the tour. He previously made headlines playing for the Lions in a match against Argentina, though it was a challenging entry into the spotlight. Despite this, former players like Morgan Turinui have high hopes for Pollock’s performance, predicting he will shine especially in midweek matches, gradually establishing himself as a future star of international rugby.
The upcoming tour matches, which kick off with a game against the Western Force in Perth, promise a competitive atmosphere heightened by the long-standing rivalry between England and Australia. Pollock is eager to engage with Australian fans, potentially embracing the role of a ‘villain’ due to competition dynamics.
Ultimately, Pollock aims to elevate the game’s excitement, striving to attract fans and create an electric atmosphere in the stadiums. His objective is to deliver a memorable performance that draws spectators in and supports the growth of rugby as a sport.