The Qantas Wallabies preparations ahead of England have received a major boost, with David Pocock and Kurtley Beale both committing their futures to the Australian Rugby Union and their Super Rugby Clubs.
Pocock will continue his Rugby in the nation’s capital and with the Wallabies through until the end of next season, while Beale has extended his time with the 2014 Super Rugby Champions, NSW Waratahs on a two-year term.
A world-class athlete and role model, Pocock was a standout for the Brumbies in 2015 winning three of the Club’s highest on-field honours, the Brett Robinson Player’s Player, the fan-voted Stallion of the Year, and Best Forward.
The Brumbies flanker then capped off a triumphant return from back-to-back season-ending knee injuries by earning his 50th Test cap and winning the Asteron Life Super Rugby Player of the Year at last night’s John Eales Medal awards ceremony.
The 2010 John Eales Medallist’s remarkable resurgence was reflected in his tally of 113 votes from just four Test matches, leaving him just 25 votes shy of back-to-back winner Israel Folau.
The 27 year-old said every day was a privilege to represent his family and friends.
“I am very passionate about the Wallabies jersey and representing this country,” said Pocock.
“We are also very fortunate to be able to do what we do, and have the honour of representing so many along the way.
“There have been some very special people who have helped me throughout the last two years, especially at the Brumbies.
“Without all of their support and faith in me, I wouldn’t have this opportunity to continue my career and do what I love.”
Pocock’s Wallabies teammate and fellow former John Eales Medallist Kurtley Beale has grown both on and off the field over the past 12 months and has cemented his place as one of the game’s most exciting attacking players.
This season Beale became the third-highest point scorer in NSW history with 409 points, including eight tries, while reaching a career milestone of 100 Super Rugby matches.
Beale returned from injury for the Wallabies against Argentina in The Rugby Championship making an immediate impact off the bench, having a hand in two tries and bringing up his 50th Test cap in the process.
Beale’s new contract extension will see him become of the most senior players in the Wallabies program, as he enters his second Rugby World Cup in his 10th year of professional Rugby.
Now committed until the end of 2017, Beale wants to bring long-term success for the Wallabies and the code.
“Wearing the gold jersey is the ultimate,” said Beale.
“There are some special things happening here at the Wallabies and I am really enjoying being part of this group as it continues to build its identity over the next few seasons.
“It’s been an amazing journey so far and I still believe I can achieve a lot more, both here at the Wallabies and at the Waratahs.
“I know I can only do that through a lot of hard work and with the help of my teammates. It’s now also my responsibility to help make them better players and continue to strive for their best. If I can do everything I can to help make them better players that is the ultimate satisfaction for me.”
Both Beale and Pocock will depart tomorrow with their Wallabies team mates for an historic Test against the USA Eagles in Chicago ahead of their quest to become world champions in England almost ten years to the day since departing as Australian Schoolboys teammates on their UK tour in 2005.
