Pocock re-signs with ARU

Updated December 21, 2012 17:03:59

Wallabies skipper David Pocock has inked a fresh deal with Australian Rugby Union, keeping him in the gold jersey for a further three years.

Star openside flanker Pocock, who will link up with the Canberra-based Brumbies this season following six years with Western Force, re-signed with the ARU through 2015.

Acting ARU chief Matt Carroll said the process was "smooth and straightforward".

"David Pocock has made an enormous contribution to rugby, as a player and an outstanding individual, since his debut," he said in a statement.

"2013 will be a big year for rugby and we are very pleased to be able to have David available for the Wallabies when they take on the combined might of the British and Irish Lions in June.

"There's no doubt he will make a valuable contribution to the Wallabies and Brumbies when they face the Lions during this historic Tour to Australia.

"The Lions Tour is a unique Rugby experience that I'm sure David is looking forward to."

Brumbies coach Jake White said he expects Pocock to thrive in the nation's capital.

"To have a guy like David Pocock want to be involved with the Brumbies is very encouraging," White said.

"The attitude and commitment of Brumbies players both during 2012 and as we prepare for 2013 has been outstanding. I see David thriving in this environment. He will fit in here perfectly.

"At the end of the day, we want to make David a better player."

Pocock has 45 Test caps since making his debut in Hong Kong against New Zealand in 2008.

His Super Rugby career began with the Western Force in 2006 and ended when he announced at the end of the 2012 season that he would move east for the Brumbies' 2013 campaign.

A two-time IRB International Player of the Year nominee and 2010 John Eales Medal winner, Pocock recently returned from a knee injury to join the Wallabies on their Spring Tour of Europe.

Pocock is the third Qantas Wallaby to extend his contract with the ARU in recent months after Will Genia and former schoolmate Quade Cooper both re-signed.

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia, act, canberra-2600

First posted December 21, 2012 17:02:43

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Robinson resigns as Scottish coach

Updated November 26, 2012 08:56:03

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has resigned a day after his side lost to Tonga, the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) announced on Sunday.

The Englishman had been under contract until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but the 21-15 upset loss to the Tongans in Aberdeen meant that the Scots had lost 10 of their last 13 matches, including elimination from the World Cup at the group phase for the first time.

Scotland also lost its three November internationals, all at home, to New Zealand, South Africa and Tonga.

In a statement issued by the SRU, Robinson, who was appointed in June 2009, said: "It's been a privilege to be the head coach of Scotland and I'd like to thank the fans, players, coaches and staff for all their support over the years.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players and the coaches in the last few years.

"I believe I have left the team in a better position than when I took over and have great confidence in the players and the coaches for the future.

"I am very disappointed by our recent results but I have belief in the players to develop into a winning team."

Robinson was given a vote of confidence after the early World Cup exit in New Zealand, but despite high hopes Scotland slumped to a wooden spoon in the Six Nations, losing all five games.

There then followed encouragement in the form of wins on the June tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa, but a 51-22 loss to New Zealand, a 21-10 reverse to South Africa and the Tonga debacle leaves Scotland a lowly 12th in the world rankings.

The defeat against Tonga was especially galling for Robinson, who struggled to contain his emotions at his post-match press conference.

"That was totally unacceptable out there. I am very angry - I apologise to all Scotland fans," he said.

"There will be consequences, but I will not reveal what they will be."

When asked if the aftermath would include his own future, Robinson replied: "I will look at everything. I have got a contract until 2015 - but there needs to be consequences after this."

Scottish Rugby's chief executive Mark Dodson stated: "Following the sequence of recent results during the EMC Autumn Tests a change in head coach is required to take the team forward and build towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

"Andy has overseen some fine results as Scotland head coach since he was appointed in June 2009 but the recent defeats have been very disappointing."

The search for Robinson's successor will begin immediately, with assistant coach Scott Johnson a possible contender.

Former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett may also consider the role worth the challenge.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, united-kingdom, scotland

First posted November 25, 2012 22:46:50

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Cooper re-signs with Reds

Updated June 09, 2012 18:06:41

Wallabies star Quade Cooper has re-signed with the Queensland Reds for three years in a deal that will keep him in Australia until the 2015 World Cup.

Cooper announced the extended contract with the Super Rugby side on Saturday night after playing down his involvement in a late-night incident which is being investigated by the Australian Rugby Union.

The exciting 35-Test five-eighth confirmed he was out with good friend and Test team-mate Kurtley Beale celebrating his new Reds deal when there was an altercation outside a popular Brisbane hotel.

"I'm just thrilled to have my future settled for the next three years," Cooper said on Fox Sports on Saturday evening.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted June 09, 2012 18:04:02

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Hodgson re-signs with Force

Posted April 19, 2011 14:02:00

Western Force have re-signed Wallabies flanker Matt Hodgson for the next two Super Rugby seasons.

Hodgson, currently on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, has developed rapidly since making his Super Rugby debut in 2006, twice taking out the Force player of the year award.

The 29-year-old made his Test debut last year and has five caps to his name.

With Wallabies Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Cameron Shepherd, David Pocock and Ben McCalman locked away for next season, the Force are desperate to secure the signature of star back James O'Connor, who is being chased heavily by the Rebels, Brumbies and Reds.

"We have a great mix of players and have a lot of confidence in what we're all working towards and I'm confident we can put that together into a full season in the coming years," said Hodgson, who also re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union.

"I like letting my rugby do the talking.

"I enjoy doing the stuff that goes under the radar and I go out to do whatever is best for the team.

"I take a lot of heart from being able to contribute in the team environment.

"There has been some tough stuff that we've been through at the club but you can't enjoy the good times without having to do the hard yards and I think we've done that, particularly this season.

"With a continued strong work ethic there are good things to come.

"The six years I've had here already have been excellent and I'm really glad to have another two years to contribute alongside a great bunch of boys."

Force coach Richard Graham says Hodgson is part of a core group of players that will take the club forward.

"His quiet and committed approach has earned the respect of his team-mates and he exemplifies what we're looking for in a player," Graham said.

- AAP

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