Brumbies boss Stephen Larkham says David Pocock and the franchise were both upset with the player’s future being put in the spotlight this week, but backed the Wallabies star to make the right decision.
The former Western Force skipper is considering a one-year sabbatical from the game to study in the UK in 2017, before returning with an eye on playing in the 2019 World Cup.
A decision on Pocock’s future is expected within the next fortnight and Larkham admitted everyone was relieved to get on the field in last night’s 31-18 victory over the Queensland Reds to put the distraction of the week behind them.
“It was disappointing it came out the way it did,” Larkham said.
“Poey and his manager wanted to keep it quiet and wanted tell the right people before it came out, so it was disappointing for him and disappointing for us as well.
“I think it was good for him to get on the field and take his mind off all that other stuff.”
Larkham expects Pocock to be fielding offers from France and other Super Rugby sides as well, but is hopeful he’ll stay with the Brumbies beyond the current campaign.
“I’ve no doubt he’s got offers from all over the world but he hasn’t been sharing that stuff,” Larkham said.
“They’re not easy decisions to make but he’s taking his time and making the right decision.
“David has said he hasn’t made a decision yet.”
Utah
Guest
Gee, that's a relevant retort.
Chivas
Guest
Auckland the strongest amateur side, because they bought the best players from other NZ regions. Jason Goldsmith, Craig Innes to name a couple... Auckland bought their dominance at the same time removing the concept of loyalty. Is that what you mean when you say Auckland supporters know this more than anyone? I'm not saying for one instant Auckland were the only ones. Waikato was at the same time doing much the same. They just didn't have the same pulling power. For me the rot started well before the professional era. It was started duting the amateur era, when sponsorship deals and jobs were being offered, while maintaining the pretence of being amateur.
CUW
Guest
well now ur contradicting ur self " Perhaps he’s an intellect and wants to be around more like minded people. Rugby offers a lot of things but a higher awareness of the meaning of life probably isn’t one of them. " surely someone who craves higher intellect and a higher awareness of meaning of life would have a bit of loyalty in him? or not ?? i c ur pissed off about the situ in BLUES, but we are talking of a guy who the press deem has a wider interest in world affairs - then its odd for the profile not to be a loyal team man :)
PeterK
Roar Guru
Super 6 92 Qld won Super 10 93 transvaal won 94 Qld won 95 Qld won Auckland managed runner up once in 93
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well can't agree there. Loyalty went out the window when professionalism came in. We Auckland supporters know this more than anyone. Auckland had the strongest amateur side in World rugby for over a decade to 95, then they all got carved up when both the players and clubs realised they could go elsewhere. Unless Pocock has broken a contract the Brumbies should expect nothing more from him than the terms of his contract. This is exactly what they are for. Fans are the last to have a say in all that.
CUW
Guest
the difference being the investment brumbies made in Pocock, when he was down. actually the crusaders felt the same way when Robbie Freuen left them for the chiefs, after they had nursed him thru his illness. u are taught not to expect a return but sometimes it is an issue. take nandolo for instance - he was grateful to the crusaders for the opportunity to play super rugger after waratahs did not give him a chance despite having him in the squad; so he said publicly he will not play for any other super team . pocock is here today to grab headlines and receive the acolades because brumbies nursed him for like 2 years. that was a gamble , especially when he broke down the second time after his first rehabilitation. the least he can do is to repay that..... surely as a person concerned in saving the earth would see that as a basic, IMO
CUW
Guest
well as a Brumbies fan i do. did u support the brumbies when they were rubbish ???
Utah
Guest
You seem to have a lot of suggestions as to how this bloke should live his life CUW.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
I believe he is still doing his undergraduates degree part time (probably his rugby committments would not allow him full time study). I know that as my Daughter-in-Law was also at Charles Sturt Uni, on the same course in which the particular subject was related to soil, ... that subject was related to both majors..
Taylorman
Guest
Well you can actually. He's not responsible for the way others accept his decisions in life. I didn't like the way Piutau up and left his Auckland and Blues fans to play for some side I'm never gonna watch or care about. But I respect his decision to do so. Don't see there's any real difference here, other than the chosen activity.
CUW
Guest
in that case he shud give up rugger and go save the world. Have u heard of JOSH HARTNETT the actor? (u cant miss him in BLACK HAWK DOWN) he got fed up with the hollywood setup and went back to his farm in minnesota and did not appear in a film for many years. have u heard of Mohamed El Erian (doubt)? he was the chief executive officer of PIMCO (who hold US$ 1.5 trillion investments in their portfolio). one day his daughter complained that he was not attending her school activities , so he quit the job and stayed at home. (he is still a board member of Allianz Grp)> the point is , its kool to emove the money factor BUT u cant let the others hanging on wondering wtf !!! everyone plays a role in this world as someone has said ; u cant just walk out and think all will be fine :D
CUW
Guest
obviously he did not finish it... what was he studying?? roberts is studying to be a doctor, that takes a few more years than the normal .
Rugby Tragic
Guest
CUW, Pocock was studying while he was recovering from his injuries... he was not idle.
Taylorman
Guest
Perhaps he's an intellect and wants to be around more like minded people. Rugby offers a lot of things but a higher awareness of the meaning of life probably isn't one of them. I think his time off and his pursuits with the conservation issues both during the break and when he left for his country of birth immediately after the World Cup to assist there has given him a yearning for more of it from an educational perspective, and wants to pursue it sooner than later. Remove the money factor from the equation and it's perfectly understandable.
CUW
Guest
its interesting how people come to decision making points. why all of a sudden has he thought of taking an year off to do some studies? it defies logic. my simple logic is , he can study at old age (retirement) or even when he is injured and cannot play again. but he cannot play when he is old or when he is injured. just dont see why its such a complicated decision. unless there are a lot more things under the carpet. also just wondering why he did not revert to studies during the 2 years he was out injured. that is a long time , just to recuperate and rehabilitate. something funny came from USA this week. the US unemployment rate dropped below 5% for the first time in eight (8) years !!! when asked for a comment president Obama is supposed to have said "great, I cant wait to join them ! " :D
Norad
Guest
The Oxford Uni XV will be happy to have him on board.