Pocock locked in Down Under
Star Brumbies and Wallabies flank David Pocock has committed to Australian Rugby for a further three years.
Pocock has 45 Test caps for the Wallabies since his debut in Hong Kong against the All Blacks in 2008. His Super Rugby career began with the Western Force in 2006.
Following this year's Super Rugby season Pocock announced his decision to play for the ACT Brumbies in 2013.
A two-time IRB International Player of the Year nominee and 2010 John Eales Medal winner, Pocock recently returned from a knee injury to join the Wallabies on their tour of Europe.
Well known for his work in the breakdown, he is considered one of the best openside flanks in world rugby.
Acting Australian Rugby Union (ARU) CEO, Matt Carroll said the negotiations with Pocock to extend his contract were a smooth and straightforward process and that he was glad to secure the talented openside flank for the next three years.
"David Pocock has made an enormous contribution to rugby, as a player and an outstanding individual, since his debut," Carroll said.
"As captain of the Wallabies for part of the June Tests, his leadership combined with his form on the field is a huge asset for Australia and his new Super Rugby club, the ACT Brumbies next year.
"2013 will be a big year for rugby and we are very pleased to be able to have David available for the Wallabies when they take on the combined might of the British and Irish Lions in June.
"There's no doubt he will make a valuable contribution to the Wallabies and Brumbies when they face the Lions during this historic Tour to Australia.
"The Lions Tour is a unique rugby experience that I'm sure David is looking forward to it.
"It really is great news to have him on board not only for next year's Lions Tour, but the next Super Rugby Championship series and, quite possibly the next Rugby World Cup in London in 2015," he added.
The completion of the ARU component of Pocock's playing contract confirms the continuation of Brumbies coach Jake White's plan to blend youth and experience in his squad.
White said Pocock would make a perfect fit to the direction he wanted the club to head both on and off the field.
"To have a guy like David Pocock want to be involved with the Brumbies is very encouraging," White said.
"The attitude and commitment of Brumbies players both during 2012 and as we prepare for 2013 has been outstanding. I see David thriving in this environment. He will fit in here perfectly.
"At the end of the day, we want to make David a better player," he added.
With all aspects of his agreement now ratified, Brumbies Rugby hopes that Pocock will make a similar impact on the ACT and Southern NSW community to that he made in the Western Australian community.
Brumbies Rugby Chief Executive Andrew Fagan was pleased to be bringing such a civic-minded individual to the ACT and its surrounding regions.
"David's off-field work is well documented, he's a community-minded man who thinks far beyond the rugby field or the change rooms," Fagan said.
"In that regard, it's not only a boost for the Brumbies to have David for the next three years but also for the people of Canberra.
"We are happy to welcome David to Canberra and look forward to he and his wife Emma being a part of the ACT community."
Pocock is the third Wallaby to extend his contract with Australian Rugby in recent months after Will Genia and former schoolmate, Quade Cooper both re-signed.
