Australian Rugby
Pocock pens new Wallabies contract
ESPN Staff
December 21, 2012
Australia flanker David Pocock juggles the ball during a training session at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand, October 12, 2011
David Pocock will stay with the Wallabies until 2015 © Getty Images
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Star Australia flanker David Pocock has opted to re-sign with the Australian Rugby Union for a further three years.

The news will come as a huge boost to Australian rugby and Pocock's decision to re-commit to the ARU follows hot on the heels of Will Genia and Quade Cooper's new contracts. Pocock's contract will take him up to the end of the 2015 World Cup and acting ARU CEO Matt Carroll was delighted with the openside's decision.

"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 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 & 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."

Pocock, who has 45 caps for the Wallabies, has turned out for the Western Force since 2006 but will play for the Brumbies next season. And Brumbies coach Jake White is looking forward to working alongside the flanker.

"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."

And in related news, Carroll has paid tribute to David Nucifora, the ARU's general manager of the high performance unit, after he resigned. "David's contribution to Australian rugby has been outstanding," Carroll said. "Since 2008 he has led the HPU, developing new strategies and methods that have benefited and will continue to benefit rugby in Australia well into the future.

"As part of his role David has worked alongside Robbie Deans in support of the Wallabies, coached the Under 20's at the Junior World Championships and established the national Rugby Sevens program. David is passionate about the future of Rugby Sevens and has ensured ARU is more focused on what has to be done to achieve success in that area."

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