David Pocock
The Brumbies are celebrating the re-signing of 1 of world rugby’s most respected players, after David Pocock committed to a new 1-year deal with the club.
Pocock was a standout for the Brumbies in 2015 and was rewarded with 3 of the club’s highest on-field honours, the Brett Robinson Player’s Player, the fan-voted Stallion of the Year and the Best Forward awards.
Capping off a remarkable season, he was also named the Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year at the annual John Eales Medal ceremony in Sydney.
His achievements this season were made even more remarkable by the fact he had played just 5 games in 2013 and 2014 due to 2 serious knee injuries.
A world-class flanker who has been a standout for the Wallabies in 2015, Pocock was the John Eales Medallist in 2010, the same year he was nominated as IRB International Player of the Year for the 1st time. In 2011 Pocock was again nominated for the IRB’s top gong, before being given the captaincy of the Western Force for their 2012 Super Rugby season.
At just 27, Pocock has developed a reputation as a leader both on and off the field, with his charity, social and environmental work recognised globally. He was also named Western Australia’s Young Australian of the Year (2012) the same year he was named captain of the Wallabies.
The retention of Pocock delighted Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham.
“David is 1 of the world’s best,” Larkham said.
“His attitude and commitment to recovering from 2 very serious knee injuries shows just what type of player he is. He is a leader for this group both on and off the field.
“We saw this season just how valuable his contribution is to the team, and to have him here for another year is great news for Brumbies players and fans alike.”
Pocock finished the 2015 Super Rugby season with 8 tries – more than any other forward in the competition. He also became the Brumbies 13th captain of all-time after leading the side onto the field in Round 1.
Over his 10-year professional rugby career to date, Pocock has made a big impact on the community.
Brumbies Chief Executive Michael Jones was pleased to retain 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,” Jones said.
“We are extremely happy to know David and his wife Emma will be remaining a part of the ACT community for another year.
“David is 1 of the best players in the world, and has proven over his 88 appearances in Super Rugby just how much of impact he can have on a game.
“Fingers crossed we will have the chance to celebrate his 100th Super Rugby match with Brumbies fans in 2016.”