David Pocock’s much-anticipated return to Super Rugby will be delayed because of a knee surgery.
Pocock went under the knife on Saturday to repair damage to his meniscus in what the Brumbies management described as a minor procedure.
But it will be enough to rule the Wallabies No.8 out of the start of the Super Rugby season after a recent playing stint in Japan and a year-long sabbatical from the game.
“Upon David Pocock’s return from playing in Japan he sought advice for a complaint with his knee,” a Brumbies statement said.
“His timeline for return to play is up to three months.”
If Pocock is out for 12 weeks, it would put his Brumbies comeback on hold until a round 10 home clash against the Jaguares on April 22.
Pocock took a break from all rugby last January after playing with Wild Knights during the 2016-17 Japanese season.
Before returning to Japanese club rugby later in the year, Pocock worked on conservation projects in Africa and studied at Harvard University.
His decision to step away from the game was designed to freshen his body and mind before next year’s World Cup.
The 29-year-old, who has earned 65 Wallabies caps, has twice undergone major knee surgery during a decorated career at international and Super Rugby level.
He had knee constructions in 2013 and 2014.
PiratesRugby
Guest
He's not the Wallabies No 8. He's the wallabies 7 and best 7 in the world, currently being prevented from playing by Cheika.
PatrickSean54
Guest
I thought he was outclassed in the last season he played and was continually penalised by the referees. Unless he adjusts he should no longer be a test player.
PatrickSean54
Guest
Let's face it he is yesterdays hero and surely the Brumbies and Wallabies can look for someone younger to boost their chances in the Super Rugby and Tests
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
A 4 month sabbatical? He is training and doing rehab with the Brumbies... The point of the sabbatical was to freshen his mind more than his body. The point was to agree to terms with a player with high value offers in Europe who the coach sees as critical to the Wallabies.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It's not like he makes a lot of tackle to feet turnovers. These are far less common in modern rugby due to better support play from fitter supporting players. Most are third man in, so not actually more difficult.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Who says it was bad enough to warrant surgery 12 months ago?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Exactly. The Sabbatical increased his earnings enough to enable the ARU to compete with European offers. For the years he's signed to Aus he could have signed to Europe and earned enough to not play in Japan and still take 2017 off. Instead this has ensured he's been retained, with the only negative being an injury risk of playing up to 15 lower impact games than Super and Test Rugby.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
You don't think that maximum 15 games in Japan over a 12 month period will leave you fresher than up to 18 Super Rugby games followed by 14 test matches?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Exactly. He was being paid partially for work already done, but partially for future work. He wasn't paid to do nothing. It's like time in lieu. He wasn't required to be at work for that time so it's no different to holidays, time in lieu or anything else, which I can guarantee you would not agree to undertake workers comp surgery if you were in the situation.
Alex Forbes
Roar Rookie
The rugby in Japan is as tough on the body as Test rugby? I think not.
Richard Islip
Roar Rookie
Pretty puzzled. Pocock has had a full year off...." to refresh mind AND BODY" And right at the start of the season......a knee op. And as we understand, not as a result of a brand new training ground injury. What was the point of the sabbatical? Surely that was the time to be examined and sort all the physical stuff out that needed work. Now another 4 month sabbatical. Crazy waste of time and money in that case.
Fionn
Guest
Dr Nick's greatest contribution to society was inventing a new way to juice oranges.
Internal Fixation
Guest
ROFL
piru
Roar Rookie
I recall Ireland hitting Australia with the tactic in the RWC in 2011 and they looked shell shocked!
piru
Roar Rookie
Just check out the ex lineman commentators on Superbowl Sunday Hands all messed up holding the microphone
Fionn
Guest
Jacko, he wasn't on full pay. He was being paid for the 2016 and the 2018 seasons, but had his salary split over three years. 2017 was his year off.
piru
Roar Rookie
"It's such a lovely day, I think I'll go out the window!"
Internal Fixation
Guest
Good call but Oz teams are unfortunately terrible at this skill. Compared to Ireland, Scotland, England and NZ we seem completely inept at the turnover maul.
Internal Fixation
Guest
He is my inspiration “The coroner, I’m so sick of that guy”
piru
Roar Rookie
Internal Fixation - I feel your Dr. Nick reference hasn't received the recognition it deserved here. Well played!