David Pocock announces Super Rugby retirement to focus on World Cup

Australia flanker David Pocock has announced his retirement from Super Rugby in order to focus on the upcoming World Cup for the Wallabies.

The 31-year-old's participation in this year's season has been limited by injuries and has managed to play just three Super Rugby games.

Pocock, who returned from a sabbatical last year suffered a neck injury that limited his participation in the November series and recently had a calf strain. Nevertheless, Pocock said he had a detailed conversation with the Brumbies medical team and decided that giving up Super Rugby would provide him the best chance to feature in the showpiece event in Japan later this year.

"It's been frustrating. You're putting pressure on yourself because you want to contribute and I think now I need to take the pressure off and take time to get it right," Pocock said.

"It's just one of those things you've got to deal with. If I was realistically [in with] a chance to play for the Brumbies I'd be pushing for that.

"It's every rugby player's dream to take part in the World Cup and every rugby player's dream to lift that trophy."

The 6ft flanker said his utmost priority right now is to feature for Australia and join their quest for the World Cup title.

"To pull on the Wallabies jersey again is obviously my goal," Pocock added.

"It's a huge honour and something that I love doing. I'll be doing everything I can to get myself right and get myself into the best shape I can.

"Certainly my focus is getting back for the Wallabies right now and the rest will take care of itself after that."