David Pocock casually announces his retirement from Test rugby in interview
David Pocock confirmed that he will be retiring from Test Rugby after the Rugby World Cup in Japan. The 31-year-old spoke to Rugby.com.au today, speaking about how happy he was with the time that he spent in the jersey.
In the interview, Pocock casually announced that he would be leaving the sport at an international level after Australia win, or are knocked out of the tournament.
When the interviewer asked, “Do you think it’s going to be your last one?”, Pocock replied with, “I think so yeah.”
“You’re grateful for the opportunity and the legacy you hope you leave and then just the opportunity to play in front of family and friends one last time. That’s all great but it comes down to the team effort, that’s the focus for the guys.”
CREDIT: Rugby.com.au
It was only recently announced that Pocock would be available for Australia after a turbulent few months racing to be fit for the men in green and gold.
Pocock will play against Samoa this weekend in a much-needed fitness opportunity.
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In other news: Who will start the Rugby World Cup as Number 1?
Several teams have the chance for one last preparation match this weekend ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019, which kicks-off in Tokyo on 20 September. The warm-up matches include a “Miracle of Brighton” rematch between Japan and South Africa, and a decisive game for top spot between Ireland and Wales.
One of the most memorable matches in Rugby World Cup history is re-enacted in Kumagaya City as 2019 hosts Japan take on two-time winners South Africa, who they famously defeated at the last tournament in England to fuel an upsurge in the sport’s popularity in Asia.
The match at the 26,500-capacity Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, one of the venues for Rugby World Cup 2019, brings together two in-form teams who have both won silverware in the past month, Japan claiming their third World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup title to equal their highest position in the rankings of ninth, while the Springboks claimed the Rugby Championship trophy.
Wary of coming unstuck at the hands of the Brave Blossoms for a second time, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has insisted there will be no sense of complacency and has named what appears to be his strongest XV, while Japan will also be going at the match full tilt in a bid to enter their home tournament on a high.
Today marks two weeks to go until Rugby World Cup 2019 kicks off and as well as Japan’s match with South Africa, Scotland will be looking to secure back-to-back wins against Georgia at Murrayfield, following on from their emphatic victory seven days ago in Tbilisi, while England face Italy at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
On Saturday, Ireland take on Wales for the second weekend in a row with both teams knowing they’re in with a chance of overhauling New Zealand at the top of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings. New Zealand are also in action, at home to Tonga in Hamilton, while Canada and the USA renew their rivalry in Vancouver and Australia play Samoa in Sydney.
