Setting aside the small issue of journalistic balance, we love David Pocock. His remarkable exploits on the rugby field are impressive - including his battling back from two cruciate knee injuries - but pale in comparison to what he does off the field.
He is a relentless social activist, and last year he chained himself to a digger for ten hours in protest against Whitehaven’s Maules Creek coal mine, a stance which earned him a reprimand from the ARU. He and his girlfriend have also pledged not to be legally married until gay marriage is made legal in Australia.
Pocock's singular focus at the breakdown makes him one of the finest flankers in the world, which makes the sense of perspective he retains off the field all the more impressive. Such a focus is evident again today, with the news that he has signed a new contract with the Brumbies and Australia that includes a year off to allow him to study.
Pocock signed the contract that will keep him with Australia until at least the 2019 World Cup, a major coup for a union who have seen many of their talented players jump on the Top 14/English Premiership gravy train in the last few years. The contract includes a clause which will see him released in 2017 for what is termed "personal development and studies". It is believed Pocock will take time to study in the United States, although (we feel this is the only time we will be able to write the following line on the site) he has also been linked with the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Interesting David Pocock news. How many Premiership DoRs have just googled the UK's best Environmental Studies courses?
— Charlie Morgan (@CharlieFelix) March 15, 2016
Pocock turned down moves abroad out of loyalty to the Brumbies, who stood by him following his knee surgeries of 2013 and '14. Pocock said in a statement that:
I really appreciate the willingness the ARU and Brumbies have shown in allowing me to weigh up my desire to be available for selection leading into the next World Cup against my longevity in the game and pursuing interests outside the sport.
I believe that after 11 seasons of professional rugby, having a year away from the sport will help increase my years in the game I love.
It will also give me the opportunity to do a bit more study and pursue interests outside of rugby.
We have no idea what he will study. Although we advise him not to study journalism. There are enough of us trying to survive in this gig as it is.
[Canberra Times]
