David Pocock thanks SANZAAR for suspension, shows what a bloody good bloke he is

6th April, 2016

4260 Reads

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David Pocock's Brumbies were thrashed by the Crusaders. (AAP Image/Theron Kirkman)

The Roar

6th April, 2016

168

4260 Reads

If David Pocock isn’t the best bloke going around, then we probably don’t need to find the other guy, because he’s good enough!

After copping a three-week ban for grabbing the neck of Chiefs player Michael Leitch, Pocock responded in the best possible fashion.

No “I got a fair hearing” and I’m disappointed with the result. No trying to downgrade the charge. Just this:

Yesterday I faced the judiciary for the first time in my rugby career. I am incredibly disappointed with my actions. I endeavour to play the game I love in a way that reflects the kind of toughness and decency I think rugby can teach us.

On Saturday night I did not live up to those standards, placing Michael Leitch in danger by binding on his neck in a maul. It was not my intention to hurt Michael, but in these sorts of circumstances it is not intention that matters. I am grateful that World Rugby and SANZAAR are concerned about making the game safer for all of us.

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to Michael. And to apologise to the Chiefs, Brumbies and all those who follow rugby. I’d also like to apologise to my team mates who I will let down over the next few weeks while suspended.

Dave

Thanks the people who suspend him. Says sorry to the bloke he put in a necklock. Praises the authorities for stamping out the kind of behaviour that he engaged in on Saturday night.

Bravo, David, for the mature way you go about things, and the way you play the game.

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