Brumbies hunting Pocock
Brumbies coach Jake White is hoping to lure Wallaby skipper David Pocock to Canberra once he finishes his contract with the Western Force.
The former Springbok World Cup-winning coach got a first-hand look at what star openside flank Pocock can do for his team next year in the Brumbies' 28-17 win over the Force in Perth on Saturday.
White, who has taken the unfancied Brumbies to the top of the Australian conference in his first season in charge, believes Pocock could get even better if he comes to Canberra.
The Force captain is set to receive plenty of offers once his contract is up with the Perth-based team and White made it clear he is keen on bidding for Pocock with the Brumbies set to lose their exciting young openside Michael Hooper to the Waratahs next year.
"All I've done is make it quite clear that we have place in our roster for an openside flanker because Michael is obviously going back to the Waratahs," White told reporters.
"There's been talk that David is coming up for renewal in his contract and we are handling it as diplomatic as we can in terms of giving him space.
"If he decides to come, that's fantastic and if he doesn't we have to keep going and find another player like Michael Hooper," said the Brumbies boss.
White's team have impressed by playing disciplined rugby this season, and he is hopeful that their success will attract better quality players like Pocock to the franchise.
"I made it clear from when I took the job that I want people to come if they want to become better players and they can improve their rugby in Canberra.
"It would be wonderful if a chap like David Pocock says 'I want to come and be part of something that I think is special in Canberra'," he said.
AFP
