International forward David Pocock will become just the second full-time captain of the Western Force after he was selected to lead the team during their 2012 Super Rugby campaign.
rugbyweek
Pocock will take over from inaugural skipper Nathan Sharpe who served the side superbly in its first six seasons.
The transition from Sharpe to Pocock will allow the veteran lock to remain a key sounding board for the 23-year-old, who has served as an understudy in the position of vice-captain for the past two seasons.
After joining the Super Rugby ranks as a teenager in 2006, the debut season of the Western Force, Pocock’s rapid rise has continued unabated and he has stamped himself as a game-changing player of utmost integrity both on and off the field.
The talented flanker was stand-in captain for the final match of 2011 after Sharpe was ruled out with injury and led the Western Force to victory against the Rebels in Victoria. He also showed his leadership credentials when he skippered the Wallabies to a convincing win against the Barbarians at Twickenham last November.
“I think it’s a huge honour to captain a side, particularly one that I’ve been involved with for quite a while now. It’s a big challenge but exciting at the same time and I’m looking forward to be given the opportunity to further contribute to the team,” Pocock said.
“I see being a leader first and foremost as leading by your actions, however I know that there is a lot more to it and that’s all part of the learning experience. I feel very fortunate to have been able to watch and learn from someone like Sharpie. He has had a huge influence on me.
“One of the really exciting things about taking on the role now is that Sharpie is still involved and I can continue to look to him for advice. Having his experience around will be invaluable.
“In a team environment it’s not just one person that shoulders all the load, we’ve got quite a few guys that lead by their actions, I think the more people we can get like that in the team the better we’ll be going forward.”
Sharpe said Pocock was the ideal candidate to take the club forward and was certain the backrower would embrace the added leadership responsibilities and provide inspiration to players both young and old.
“The level of David’s performances for the Western Force has been exceptional and I think that will also prove to be the case as he applies himself to the role as captain,” Sharpe said.
“I’ve seen him grow from a talented kid who joined the club straight out of school to become a game breaking player in both Super Rugby and for the Wallabies. He is a remarkable young man and a good friend, I will help him in any way that I can now and into the future.”
Pocock’s performances have earned him nominations for the IRB Player of the Year award in the past two seasons, while in 2010 he took home the John Eales Medal and RUPA Medal for Excellence. He has earned 55 caps for the Force and is the fifth most capped player in the club’s history.