Video: 'I've got some real concerns in the neck, it's caused me a fair bit of grief'

David Pocock has given a concerning update when it comes to his neck injury.

The robust backrow was forced off in the second half of Australia's win over Italy on November 17th and missed the Wallabies' final tour match against England at Twickenham.

Pocock was selected for the game, but had to withdraw after failing to come through the captain's run.

His head coach Michael Cheika highlighted his style of play as a reason for picking up the latest issue “He’s had them at him all year. He puts his head into places people go to and he’s copped a fair few whacks in there this year. So, he’s certainly not scared to keep putting his head there.

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Pocock was speaking after winning the Australia's Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) medal of excellence.

“It’s still pretty sore, to be honest. I usually go away for December, try to get back to Zimbabwe, but this year I decided I wanted to spend the time here getting my body right for next year.

“I recognise that next year is hopefully my biggest year of rugby, I want to be playing my best rugby I’ve played and physically be able to do that.

“I’ve got some real concerns in the neck, it’s caused me a fair bit of grief. I actually missed a game against South Africa this year. So I guess your concerned about not being able to play and in the back of your head when you talk to medical professionals, that they’re trying to remind you about life after rugby.

“It’s something that I guess I’m going to have to really manage and be smart with and I don’t really know what it looks like at the moment.”

Pocock also spoke about being targeted at the breakdown.

“There were a number of occasions where the Brumbies tried to cite people this year,” he said.

“So, it’s kind of happening a lot. I get that there’s plenty of action at the breakdown and sometimes it’s very hard to control what you’re doing. Personally, you know that your neck’s pretty sore after games.”

Asked whether he would be fit in time for the start of the new Super Rugby season, he said: "I am assuming I will be."

Pocock also gave his backing to under-fire head coach Michael Cheika, who is expected to learn his fate before Christmas.

"I love the guy, I've learnt a huge amount from him, so like everyone else we'll wait and see what happens and move on."

"There's probably not a huge amount of value getting players to start talking about it because it's a decision for people higher up the chain. It's really out of our hands."

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