The 2010 Super 14 season begins today.Zimbabwean-born Pocock is an inaugural Western Force recruit, joining as a 17-year-old in 2005, and made his debut in the final round of the team’s first season.He quickly establishing himself as a regular starting XV player and has notched 38 Super rugby appearances and 15 Test caps with the Wallabies in a blossoming career.The young forward said he is honoured to accept the position and is relishing the opportunity of developing his leadership capabilities alongside long time Western Force skipper Nathan Sharpe.“It was a very welcome surprise and a great honour,” Pocock said after being offered the role by Coach John Mitchell.“We have a great mix of experienced players and guys who just naturally show leadership within our squad and I spoke to them about the position and they were very supportive.“I still have plenty to learn but I don’t need to look any further for guidance than Nathan Sharpe. He is an accomplished captain and leader both on and off the field.“I think the vice captain role brings with it more responsibility but that is something I’m looking forward to taking on, it’s a challenge I’m ready to accept,” Pocock said.Pocock proved his leadership credentials when he led the Western Force on a development tour to England in 2008 while he has previously captained the Australian Under-20 team.He takes the vice-captain reigns this season following the departure of Matt Giteau and at 21 years of age will be the Western Force’s youngest vice-captain.“This is another step in David’s development as a footballer and deserving in the sense of what he has achieved and where he wants to go to next,” Mitchell said.“He is a balanced enough person to be able to carry the load and responsibility that come with senior leadership.“We think now is the right time to give David some added responsibility. Clearly we see him as a candidate as a future captain of the club and feel the responsibility of leadership will grow him as a rugby player,” said Mitchell. — Rugby365.com
