David Pocock isnt interested in another playing stint in Japan at the end of this years international season and wants to get back to playing good rugby for the Wallabies in order to “return the favour” after a controversial sabbatical.
The back-rower has not featured for his country since December 2016, when he lined up against England.
Back: David Pocock will play his first game for the Wallabies on Saturday since December 2016.
Photo: AAP
Pocock then took a 12-month break from Australian rugby, spending his time doing conservation work in Africa, studying at Harvard University in the US and playing in the Top League for the Panasonic Wild Knights.
The lure of the Japanese yen is tempting for players but with the 2019 Rugby World Cup in sight, Pocock says he would rather have valuable time off in December and January after the spring tour than take up an extra opportunity overseas.
“There will be nothing else … no way,” Pocock told Fairfax Media. “The whole point of it was to have a year away from Australian rugby and that time in Japan to try some new stuff. Now Im back here its 100 per cent Brumbies and Wallabies focused for the next two years. Theres definitely going to be no stint anywhere.”
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Pocock missed the Brumbies first four games this season because of a knee injury and there was speculation his commitments in Japan contributed to the problem.
Before Pococks round seven return against the Waratahs, Wallabies great Simon Poidevin put the heat on the 30-year-old, saying he needed to repay the good faith shown by Rugby Australia.
“Its now up to Dave Pocock to return the favour,” Poidevin said. “He has got to win his spot back and hes been on a sabbatical, so other guys have been here playing in his absence.”
Asked what he thought of Poidevins remarks, Pocock said: “it [the sabbatical] was something that I negotiated and plenty has been made of pay terms and all the rest. A lot of them arent true.
“People are going to have opinions. Im just wanting to get back to playing my best rugby and thats been my focus.”
Nonetheless, Pocock is thrilled to be back in Wallabies camp and after so much time away from the national setup, he feels refreshed and eager to perform ahead of a three-Test series against Ireland.
“The six months in Japan I really enjoyed,” Pocock said. “Now theres the usual excitement of getting into a Wallabies camp. Theres plenty to do. Its a short week of prep and well make the most of it and be ready to go on Saturday.
“It hasnt been the smoothest run getting back into Super Rugby with a couple of injuries but I have enjoyed getting back to the Brumbies and this is a new challenge.
"[There is] a bunch of new faces … thats really exciting for Australian rugby. Theres a number of new guys in key positions and a lot of depth.”
Pocock s return is a major boost for the Wallabies, particularly with Sean McMahon unavailable until further notice.
With captain Michael Hooper firmly entrenched in the No.7 position, the big question is whether Pocock moves to No.6 – and in doing so Caleb Timu makes his debut at the back of the scrum – or he plays at No.8 while blindside position is plugged.
Always the diplomat, Pocock has no qualms what number is on his back come Saturday evening at Suncorp Stadium.
“Like most guys in the team, Ill play anywhere,” Pocock said. “Well make it work whatever combination he [Michael Cheika] goes with. I love playing alongside Hoops. Theres some real talent in the back row.”
Pocock featured in the Wallabies last match against Ireland; a 27-24 loss in Dublin in 2016.
“That game seems like a long time ago,” Pocock said. “More recently theyve been outstanding. This year theyve been huge. They will be match fit, they will be confident. Its a huge challenge, thats what you want. Im sure theyll be looking to end their year on a high.”
Tom Decent is a journalist with Fairfax Media.
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