Bordeaux-Bègles players mock Northampton back-row Henry Pollock in post-match party.

Photos have emerged of Bordeaux-Bègles players mocking Northampton back-row Henry Pollock in their post-match changing room celebrations following Saturday’s 28–20 Champions Cup final victory in Cardiff.

The 20-year-old England rookie was at the centre of a fracas immediately after the final whistle at the Principality Stadium, with Pollock seen tussling with several UBB players as tempers flared at the end of a tense and physical encounter.

Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said Pollock had been left visibly upset after an incident that he suggested involved foul play.

“There was a fracas at the end, there was foul play involved,” said Dowson. “I have been assured that the touch judge has seen it and will deal with it appropriately.

“Henry Pollock was particularly upset by it because I think it was uncalled for and out of order. He reacted, and the officials have told me that they will deal with it.”

Pollock appeared to indicate to officials that he had been grabbed by the throat, though that has not been confirmed by Bordeaux or the match officials.

Now, further fuel has been added to the controversy after a photo circulated on social media showed a Bordeaux player appearing to imitate Pollock’s now-famous post-try celebration by pressing his fingers to his neck – a mocking reference to Pollock’s gesture after scoring against Leinster in the semi-final, when he said he was checking the ice in his veins.

It wasn’t the only photo either. Star fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and head coach Yannick Bru also mocking Pollock in the post match celerbations in a bar after the game.

Saints fly-half Fin Smith, one of Pollock’s senior England teammates and best friends, also questioned Bordeaux’s motivation in rowing with Pollock after the final whistle.

“They were after him (Pollock). I don’t think they liked him. He will be alright,” said Smith.

“I remember they (Bordeaux players) all sort of charged at him and were trying to get hold of him.

“I am surprised if you have just won a European Cup, the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old. I felt that was interesting.”

It is unclear whether any disciplinary action will follow the post-match scuffle but it certainly adds to the bad blood now forged between the two European heavyweights.

Pollock – who has been tipped to star for the British & Irish Lions this summer in Australia – played the full 80 minutes at No.8 in what was only his fifth Champions

Cup appearance.

Social has been reacting to the incident with Pollock, with many users on X claiming Pollock was got what he deserved, while others pointed out that his antics have been breath of fresh air in game that badly needs more characters.

“Henry Pollock didn’t enjoy getting punched in the throat after full time but in fairness he instigated it,” wrote one X user. “He’s exactly the type of character rugby needs right now. He’ll be a superstar by the time the Lions series is finished.”

“Bit of a Pollock fanboy here (in the wider context of the game) but imagine being a 20 year old novice knowing you’d triggered a reaction from the European Champions like this,” said another. “If nothing else, the run up to the next World Cup will be interesting.”

Another fan wrote: “Henry pollock will quickly learn that in big boys rugby you will always b a target if you say things or over celebrate or show any personality. However anybody who thinks he was poor yesterday or froze needs to watch game again. He was xcellent in adversity, showed massive ticker.”

In fact before the game with was clear that Pollock was a key target for Bordeaux who wanted to shutdown the threat posed by the young English tyro. Former President of FC Girondins de Bordeaux and now UBB fan Jean Louis Triaud: “There’s this talented kid in Northampton, Henry Pollock. He’s a real pain in the ass… He’s unbearable! The fact that he’s English makes things worse. It would bother me even more if UBB lost because of him.”