Henry Pollock hurt by Test snub and warns coach he has 'unfinished business'
The England star has had a sensational rise but admits he is fuelled by one disappointment
England star Henry Pollock says he has "unfinished business" with the British and Irish Lions after being left out of Andy Farrell's Test sides in Australia last year.
The Northampton Saints back rower made history last summer has he became the youngest Lions forward in nearly six decades, having been selected at the age of 20. The call-up came just months after Pollock made his debut for England, coming off the bench to score two tries against Wales in the Six Nations, and before he had started an international Test.
After being named in Andy Farrell's touring squad, he made his Lions debut as a replacement in a warm-up match against Argentina before earning a starting spot at number eight against the Western Force in Perth.
JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more
However, he did not feature in any of the three Tests against the Wallabies as the tourists won the series 2-1. Win free tickets to watch Fiji v Wales in Cardiff this summer.
Just over one year on from receiving his first call-up, Pollock says he still carries "a little bit of hurt" that he was overlooked for all three Test matches, having felt he was selected by Farrell to play in those big games.
"It was an amazing experience being there so young, learning off all those amazing internationals and coaches," he said as he reflected on last summer's tour in an interview with Sky Sports.
"It was one of those moments you look back and pinch yourself a little bit. It was just an amazing experience to be a part of.
"But there's still a little bit of hurt I didn't play in a Test match.
"So there's definitely still some unfinished business, I guess, and I want to go back on it in a couple of years and hopefully be involved in those Test matches."
Asked whether he was now fuelled by the disappointment of not being selected for the Tests played Down Under, the 11-cap England international added: "Yes, exactly.
"The intention was to go there and play. I feel like he picked me to go and play that Test match.
"Obviously it was gutting not to play in it, but I was happy enough being there, being a squad member and making sure the boys trained well and got over the line in the end, and that's what we did."