Wallabies and Brumbies superstar David Pocock has retired from Super Rugby but hopes to play at the World Cup later this year.
Pocock has played just 138 minutes in three games for the Brumbies this season with a frustrating calf injury keeping him sidelined.
The 31-year-old met with Wallabies and Brumbies medical staff last week and agreed to end his Super Rugby career in a bid to feature at the World Cup.
Pocock has a contract after the tournament with the Panasonic Wild Knights and will likely retire when that deal ends next year.
Brumbies flanker David Pocock has been forced to retire from Super Rugby due to ongoing injury concerns. Photo: Photosport
"The Brumbies have given me a home for the last seven years. They've supported me through injury and given me the opportunity to work on my game and my leadership as part of an incredible group of men," Pocock said.
"After 13 years of professional rugby, I'm looking forward to the challenges the rest of this year holds and also thinking about what comes next."
The 77-Test veteran is considered one of the best on-ball players in the world and spent 13 seasons in Australian rugby with the Western Force and Brumbies.
But recurring injuries meant he only played 43 of 100 games since joining the Brumbies in 2012 and missed most of 2013 and 2014 with knee injuries.
The Brumbies have three games remaining and are in the box seat to top the Australian conference and play finals for the first time since 2017.
-AAP