Henry Pollock has set the rugby world alight this season. The young flanker has been sensational and has rapidly become one of the best-known players in the game today.
However, there is another back-rower in the Gallagher Premiership who has had a phenomenal year. Guy Pepper has made a massive impact down at The Rec and has been a big part of Bath‘s success.
He’s worn the club badge with pride; now, the call of the country awaits.
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Guy Pepper
Hailing from Harrogate, he attended Barnard Castle School. He would go on to study Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Durham.
While the world stood still in lockdown, he took his first step into the Falcons academy, signing professionally by May 2021.
Pepper quickly made an impact up north, earning national age-grade honours in the process — a rare feat for someone of his age.
In the summer of 2024, he made the move to Bath. The team’s squad is stacked with world-class talent, which makes it even more impressive that the 22-year-old is a real standout.
Buoyed by belief, he signed a three-year contract that secured his future from 2024 to 2027.
Bath and Pepper have had a tremendous year. After the disappointment of missing out on the title last year, they’ve bounced back in a big way.
Johann van Graan’s side has secured the treble. Last weekend, they edged out the Leicester Tigers to lift the title.
Pepper put in an outstanding performance, standing out among his peers, and earned the Player of the Match award.
The 22-year-old proved he could perform on the biggest stage for Bath, leaving the audience in awe of his skills. Now it’s time to do it in an England shirt.
Playing Style and Stats
A player likened to Richie McCaw: disruptive at the breakdown, dominant in defence, and relentless in effort. His sheer influence on a contest is evident to see.
Known for his raw power, unshakable intensity, and bone-rattling tackles, he leaves his mark on every game.
From the perspective of a statistician, Pepper is a world-beater — playing 1,033 minutes and crossing the whitewash five times.
He is a dynamic ball-carrier, making 268 metres from 108 carries, leaving 17 defenders in his wake and breaking the line four times.
On the defensive side of the ball, he made 141 tackles, missing only 20. Yet it is at the breakdown in which he has truly shone. Pepper has made 17 turnovers — often when his team needs it most.
The Englishman is a real force on the field, and he will look to produce for his country soon.
International Rugby
As mentioned earlier, Pepper has already earned international honours at age-grade level, representing England at both U18 and U20 levels.
A senior call-up seems imminent, as he has been included in Steve Borthwick‘s training squad. While he hasn’t yet competed at Test level, he has gained valuable experience by playing senior-level rugby with England A.
His debut for England A in February 2024 against Portugal marked a significant milestone in his career, with England preparing to face Argentina in South America.
The stage is set for Pepper to make a substantial impact on the international scene, and his potential is a cause for great excitement.
If the future is written by those who rise to the occasion, Pepper looks ready to leave his mark on England’s rugby story.
With his disruptive playing style, dominant defence, and relentless effort, he has the potential to significantly influence England’s rugby narrative — making his future performances a must-watch for all rugby fans.
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