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Rugby

17th Feb 2016

David Pocock in line for world record salary as European sabbatical agreed

The pitching begins

Patrick McCarry

Get the Trinity College, U.L and every other college prospectus in the post to Canberra now!

The ACT Brumbies are reportedly set to release Australian flanker David Pocock from his club commitments to undertake a “sabbatical” in Europe. Right now, England looks the likely destination.

Pocock, who was one of the star players at the World Cup, is keen to take a year away from Super Rugby. He has researched some one-year university courses in the U.K and may take a complete break from professional rugby.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika appears resigned to seeing Pocock depart Australian shores. He told reporters:

“I have been really happy with (talks). Brian Levine, his manager, and David have both been straight up with us from day one and that’s given us a nice simple target to try and achieve, and to put our best package forward for him to stay and play rugby here.

“He is obviously going to get massive offers overseas because the clubs are loaded and he is one of the best players in the world. He is a smart guy, he will make the right choice.”

This morning, Australia’s Daily Telegraph is reporting that Brumbies will allow Pocock to leave in the hope of getting him back in the summer of 2017.

Wasps are said to lead the queue to get Pocock’s signature on a one-year deal [2016/17]. The club, which has George Smith and Charles Piutau on their books, is lining up a £1.5m deal that would surely blow any other offer out of the water.

It must be noted, Ireland is renowned as the land of saints and scholars.

Irish rugby fans must be hoping Pocock could be tempted to our shores by an interesting college course and a nice salary offer so he can set up some cosy digs for himself…

Munster-back-row

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