Wallabies flanker David Pocock has issued an open apology for the foul play that earned him a ban this week, admitting he had let down his team mates, and thanked rugby's governing bodies for trying to make the game safer.
Rugby Union - Australia Training - The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, Middlesex - 27/10/15
Australia's David Pocock during training
Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra
SYDNEY: Wallabies flanker David Pocock has issued an open
apology for the foul play that earned him a ban this week, admitting he
had let down his team mates, and thanked rugby's governing bodies for
trying to make the game safer.
The ACT Brumbies loose forward was suspended for three weeks
after grabbing the neck of Waikato Chiefs number eight Michael Leitch
in a maul six minutes from the end of a Super Rugby defeat in Canberra
last weekend.
The 27-year-old said the judicial hearing had been the first of his rugby career.
"I am incredibly disappointed with my actions," he wrote in a
post on his website. "I endeavour to play the game I love in a way that
reflects the kind of toughness and decency I think rugby can teach us.
"On Saturday night I did not live up to those standards, placing Michael Leitch in danger by binding on his neck in a maul.
"It was not my intention to hurt Michael, but in these sorts
of circumstances it is not intention that matters. I am grateful that
World Rugby and SANZAAR are concerned about making the game safer for
all of us."
Pocock will miss only two games for the Brumbies - against
the Waratahs on April 16 and at home to the Canterbury Crusaders April
24 - as the Canberra-based side have a bye this weekend.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to
Michael," he added. "And to apologise to the Chiefs, Brumbies and all
those who follow rugby. I'd also like to apologise to my team mates who I
will let down over the next few weeks while suspended."
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
- Reuters
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