Rugby: David Pocock pulls pin on Brumbies as he eyes recovery before World Cup

David Pocock says he still hopes to play at the World Cup this year after announcing his retirement from Super Rugby. Photo / AP

Wallabies back rower David Pocock says he still hopes to play at the World Cup this year after announcing his retirement from Super Rugby.

The 31-year-old has played only 138 minutes over three matches for the Brumbies in Super Rugby this season because of a succession of injuries, most recently a serious calf muscle strain.

He met Wallabies and Brumbies medical staff last week and agreed that missing the rest of Super Rugby might give him the best chance of playing at the World Cup in September in Japan.

Pocock is due to leave Australia after the world tournament to Japan club the Panasonic Wild Knights on a one-year deal. The 77-test veteran is expected to retire from all rugby when that contract ends.

"The Brumbies have given me a home for the last seven years," Pocock said. "They've supported me through injury.

"After 13 years of professional rugby, I'm looking forward to the challenges the rest of this year holds."

Pocock is regarded as one of the best back rowers in world rugby, although he has faced an almost constant battle with injuries in recent years. He has appeared in only 43 of the 100 matches the Brumbies have played since he joined them from the Western Force in 2012.

The Brumbies top the Australia Super Rugby conference with three regular season matches left.

- AP