July 29 (Reuters) – David Pocock will swap Perth for
Canberra in the next Super Rugby season after the Wallabies
captain ended a seven-year association with the Western Force by
signing a three-year deal with the Brumbies, local media said on
Sunday.
The move is likely to present the openside flanker, who made
his debut with the Force when they were established in 2006,
with a greater opportunity to win the Southern Hemisphere’s most
prestigious club rugby title.
The chance to work under South African World Cup-winning
coach Jake White from the 2013 season also played a part in his
decision.
“The Brumbies have a good coaching and management team of
Jake White, Laurie Fisher, Stephen Larkham and Tony Thorpe,” the
24-year-old told Australia’s AAP.
“The opportunity to learn from them and challenge myself was
appealing,” said Pocock, who added that the move would also
allow him to spend more time with his family.
“Over the last seven years, I have travelled long distances
to visit my family in Brisbane,” he said. “With the Wallabies
schedule there is more and more of my time required on the east
coast with training camps.
“Being based in Canberra will make it easier to travel to
Brisbane and Sydney.”
White said: “To have a guy like David Pocock want to be
involved with the Brumbies is very encouraging. I see David
thriving in this environment. He will fit in here perfectly.”
(Writing by Alastair Himmer in Tokyo; Editing by John O’Brien)
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