WALLABIES FLANKER David Pocock will retire from internationals after the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Pocock, 31, is set to make his 78th Test appearance for Australia in a clash against Samoa in Parramatta on Saturday.
But the flanker will end his Test career after the Rugby World Cup, which begins in Japan on 20 September, he announced today.
“I think looking at the flankers coming through, I think we’re in good hands and that’s exciting for Australian rugby,” the former Wallabies captain told a news conference.
“I feel like I’ve put a lot into it, I’ve really enjoyed it, benefitted a huge amount.
“As an immigrant to Australia, rugby’s provided me with somewhere to make friends, to feel like I belong and obviously gone on to get huge opportunities playing professional rugby – Force, Brumbies and for the Wallabies.
“So, I feel like it’s time to move on to other things and contribute in other areas.”
Pocock is the third Wallaby to announce their international retirement this week, joining Sekope Kepu and Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Legend, both on and off the field.
@Aidan Prior: a physical beast. Seems like a genuine guy too. Big into the environment and helping people.
Loved the documentary about home growing up. Mad stuff!
@Pilib: any link to it
Apparently the criticism from past players and on message boards about him blocking Australian born players from representing their country was too much for him to take….
Brilliant player and a great leader.
@Brian Power: thats unbelievable , pure hypocrisy , did Quade Cooper get stick ? Stephen Moore ?
@Limón Madrugada: think he is being sarcastic. Pocock moved when he was 14 not quite the same as Kleyn so the jibe is misplaced
@Dominic Gallagher: it’s partially tongue in cheek , players not born in a country representing the country is just a fact of life in rugby and always has been. JK , BA, CJ have received a lot of negative attention recently but I wonder will James Lowe or JGP receive the same? I really hope they don’t. All the major rugby playing nations have availed of the rule, some more than others , even SA with the Beast have used it to their advantage.
It actually is irrelevant to me if a player moved to a new country at 14 or 22 if he qualifies and is deemed by the coaches to be the better choice then I am OK with it. I remember well in the early 90’s the delight when Staples , Geoghegan and Bishop were drafted in to the Irish set up so we were not always as reluctant to welcome the new comers
@Brian Power: absolutely OFF THE BALL went to town when Bundee Started playing for Ireland Also when Grobler was picked for Munster and as for the court case up in Ulster they were foaming at the mouth with indignation. However when it comes to the local boys in Dublin it is all sweetness – hard to listen to them – but I have only myself to blame.
@Cul Muldoon:
You answered your own question ::You only have yourself to blame :: so stop it ::it is your fault and it is your own fault :: And you have yourself to blame :: you are so right. I find it easy to listen to the local boys in Dublin it is all sweetness :: we do our best ::