Western Force Vice-Captain David Pocock will continue his career in Perth for at least the next two years after signing a new contract with the Super 14 franchise and the Australian Rugby Union.
Pocock will therefore start the Super 15 which kicks off in 2011 with the Western Force.
Pocock has been part of the Western Force system since the club’s inception, joining as a 17 year old, and has developed into a world class flanker with more than 40 Super Rugby appearances and 15 test caps.
While a finger injury had Pocock sidelined for the early part of this season he made his comeback against the Stormers in round eight and helped inspire the Force to their first victory of 2010.
The young star has been in sparkling form since returning, including a man-of-the-match performance on his 22nd birthday last Friday night in the club’s stunning win over the Crusaders at ME Bank Stadium.
"There is a line of promising young guys coming through and I feel like Western Australia is the place I can best continue to develop my game and contribute to the team as we move forward," Pocock said.
"I really felt this is the best decision I could make at this stage of my career and I’m looking forward to being here for at least the next two years.
"The coaches have done a great job developing the talent here and I think that is going to continue, so I’m pretty excited about the next few seasons here in Perth."
Pocock made his Super Rugby debut in 2006, playing one match, before becoming a regular in his second season at the Western Force, and hasn’t looked back.
A huge appetite for hard work and an unparalleled dedication and application to getting the best from himself has seen the youngster become one of the game’s most exciting players. Together with Richard Brown and Matt Hodgson, Pocock is part of what is arguably the best back row in the Super 14 competition.
"We’re delighted to have David remain in our program for the next two seasons," Western Force General Manager of Rugby Mitch Hardy said.
"David is a quality player and person. He has made a significant contribution to the club in the five years he has been here and continues to elevate his performances each time he steps onto the field.
"His commitment to the Western Force reinforces Perth’s attraction as a great place to live and play rugby," Hardy said.
Pocock has seen rugby prosper in Western Australia since the Western Force was established and paid tribute to the club’s legion of fans who he said has made a substantial impact on the group and the enjoyment of playing in Perth.
"You only have to look at our crowds each week to see the passion for this club and the code in WA," Pocock said.
"Rugby is definitely on the up in Perth from the grass roots and junior participation to the quality of the local senior competition, it is all very positive.
"I think we have the most loyal and probably the loudest crowd in Australia. That’s obviously an added bonus for the players here and I hope I can contribute to the continued growth of rugby in WA," he said.
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