Wallabies and Brumbies openside flanker David Pocock and Waratahs back Kurtley Beale have re-signed with Australian Rugby and their Super Rugby franchises.
27-year-old Pocock has decided to continue with Australian Rugby beyond the World Cup, signing for another season, while Beale will remain at the Waratahs until the end of 2017.
This follows the retention of Israel Folau and Michael Hooper.
Pocock spent two seasons on the sidelines due to injury, but returned as a force in 2015 for the Brumbies and Wallabies.
He won the Super Rugby player of the year and came second in the John Eales Medal, despite only playing four of the games in the voting period.
It was a remarkable comeback, and he has cemented himself as one the game’s premier openside flankers since his return.
Pocock said he was still driven to perform in Wallaby gold.
“I am very passionate about the Wallabies jersey and representing this country,” said Pocock.
“We are also very fortunate to be able to do what we do, and have the honour of representing so many along the way.
“There have been some very special people who have helped me throughout the last two years, especially at the Brumbies.
“Without all of their support and faith in me, I wouldn’t have this opportunity to continue my career and do what I love.”
Brumbies coach and Wallabies assistant coach Stephen Larkham was understandably pleased with the re-signing.
“David is one of the world’s best,” Larkham said.
“His attitude and commitment to recovering from two very serious knee injuries shows just what type of player he is.
“He is a leader for this group both on and off the field.
“We saw this season just how valuable his contribution is to the team, and to have him here for another year is great news for Brumbies players and fans alike.”
Pocock finished the 2015 Super Rugby season with eight tries, including two hat tricks, on the back of some dominant forward performances at the Brumbies.
Beale will also travel to the World Cup with the Wallabies, and was thrilled to be staying in Australia.
“Wearing the gold jersey is the ultimate,” said Beale.
“There are some special things happening here at the Wallabies and I am really enjoying being part of this group as it continues to build its identity over the next few seasons.
“It’s been an amazing journey so far and I still believe I can achieve a lot more, both here at the Wallabies and at the Waratahs.
“I know I can only do that through a lot of hard work and with the help of my teammates. It’s now also my responsibility to help make them better players and continue to strive for their best. If I can do everything I can to help make them better players that is the ultimate satisfaction for me.”
Bakkies
Guest
No doubt due to Beale being such a forthcoming and responsible employee and adult. Most of the responsible players and real men in the squad had no problems with Patston. I am sure Gareth Delve has such a high opinion of him too.
Tah Mate
Guest
Too right, that's why Cooper will have to try his luck at 7s, because not even the clueless Reds want him.
Tah Mate
Guest
He is obviously comfortable with either position & Im sure he can see the potential in the Pooper combo. Poey is not a 'diva' type.
Tah Mate
Guest
Yeh, because Di is such a classy & professional person. When better to query a players hotel bill than during a match & why not improve your position by ..... the coach.
Zero Gain
Guest
What else would I expect from you, Mick?
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Did you click a "Follow Mick" button or something? You won't mind if I simply "Boo" you, will you?
Zero Gain
Guest
Why the 'ummmm'? Your stating an opinion and as usual it's derogatory of the targets.
Zero Gain
Guest
True to form Mike, derogatory nicknames for Australians. Thing is, like crass abuse, these nicknames are only really derogatory to your reputation.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Ummm - if you had encountered some of the young blokes coming out of St Joseph's College you would be aware many of them did well in rugby and in doing the minimum required to stay out of trouble between the end of one season and the beginning of the next. It's a boys high school, not the male equivalent of the June Dally Watkins school of deportment and etiquette!
Bakkies
Guest
I hope to hell there are behavioural clauses in it
Bakkies
Guest
Spin doctor and lawyer
Bakkies
Guest
He came out in the Canberra Times it was his choice to only commit to one. I guess with injuries affecting his frame of mind and he is now 27 having played 11 seasons.
Bakkies
Guest
Hopefully he is not teaching them how to treat women and superiors in a working environment
Ben
Guest
Neither is the Australian dollar so what's your point!
Joseph
Guest
It is considered a scoop by the ARU but in reality KB probably didn't have any other option.
AndrewWA
Guest
Have no problems with the Pocock re-signing but can understand why these were announced together - it's called deflection in media-speak. KB hasn't started in a game for more than 12 months and has not played a full half over the same period. He has played only 90 minutes since returning to the Wallabies late in last year's EOYT (off bench in 5 Tests). Yet he gets an ARU Wallaby top-up for the next 2 years. It's about time to start a REAL and OPEN discussion about the un-even playing field and payments above the salary cap for each of the 5 Aussie franchises as it seems that some franchises are "more equal" than others.
RobC
Roar Guru
Well done Poey. Earn it KB
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
You could be spot on Bakkies. The sticking point on the Brumbies re-signing Poey was the ARU wanting to see how he came back from injury. I wonder if they want to see how his fitness is in a year before offering him further top ups. Alternatively it could be the fact that a lot of the top shelf Brumbies players contracts as well as Bernies are up at the end of next year I believe.
Terry Kidd
Guest
Yes, they would be Beale's own words. Have you heard him speak? Remember he did get a top notch education at St Joey's. I think its great that both Beale and Pocock have resigned.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Not in a lifetime, no. I thought wee Billy Pushover announced that the ARU is broke - why are they wasting even more money for even longer on this incompetent fool?