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. . . Gweru born Pocock starred for Australia at World Cup
. . . Inspirational Wallabies flanker trained with rhino guards
HAVING helped Australia reach the World Cup final at Twickenham in October, you would forgive David Pocock for putting his feet up during the off-season.
Pocock is not your average rugby player, however.
The inspirational flanker has been spending time in his native Zimbabwe with the Malilangwe scouts – a group that protects endangered rhino across the country.
The ACT Brumbies back rower, who was outstanding during his side’s World Cup campaign, has been sharing photos and videos of his experience on his Facebook and Instagram accounts.
‘Loved spending some time with the men at the forefront of the effort to protect rhino,’ wrote Pocock.
‘Committed, passionate and enjoying what they do (most of the time) – inspiring to see their commitment in the face of real danger and the challenges of conservation.’
While many of his team-mates are taking advantage of their down-time for a well-earned rest ahead of the dreaded pre-season slog in January, Pocock has been partaking in some gruelling fitness session with the rhino scouts.
Pocock wrote: ‘Thanks to the Malilangwe scouts for inviting me to join the very solid fitness and weights session they put their new recruits through this morning. Really impressed by their work ethic and fitness.’
Along with hyperactive openside Michael Hooper and blindside enforcer Scott Fardy, Pocock was central to one of the most impressive backrow combinations during an explosive World Cup tournament.
Having helped his side secure top spot in Pool A, nicknamed the Pool of Death, with impressive victories over Fiji, England and Wales, Pocock was integral to his side’s journey to the final.
Wins over Scotland and Argentina in the knockout stages secured a World Cup final showdown with New Zealand, but the All Blacks proved too strong at England HQ.
This Wallabies outfit, under the guidance of Michael Cheika, have made huge strides as they prepare to defend their Rugby Championship title next season.
Certainly, in Pocock, the Wallabies possess a truly inspirational figure, on and off the field. — Daily Mail.
Pocock wins top Aussie gong
BRUMBIES and Wallabies back rower David Pocock has capped an outstanding 2015 season by taking out the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) Medal for Excellence, Australia’s highest player-voted individual honour.
Pocock, who won the same award in 2010, Australian fans also chose Pocock as their favourite player in 2015, with his on- and off-field performance and commitment acknowledged as he topped the online poll in the People’s Choice Award.
Speaking about winning the RUPA Medal for Excellence from Africa, where he is enjoying a well-earned holiday, Pocock said it was a very special honour.
“I’m sorry I can’t be there today to accept this in person, but it’s always an honour to be recognised by your peers,” he said.
“They are the ones you play alongside and against and, at the end of the day, their opinion really does matter, so it’s a huge honour.”
The awards capped a remarkable year for Pocock, during which the 26-year-old calmly dispelled any doubts about his long-term durability as he shrugged off two seasons ruined by serious knee injuries to star for the Brumbies on their run to the Super Rugby semi-finals.
He scored eight tries for the Brumbies, including two hat-tricks, while in defence he made more than 96 per cent of the tackles he attempted, and as always, was a constant threat at the breakdown for any opposing player.
Pocock was then one of the genuine stars of the Wallabies’ run to the Rugby World Cup final and he was named in the team of the tournament for the second successive time.
He scored a double in Australia’s opening Pool A clash against Fiji and also crossed against New Zealand in the final.— AAP.
Away from rugby, Pocock is studying a Bachelor of Ecological Agricultural Systems at Charles Sturt University and he is keenly interested in environmental and conservation issues. – AAP
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