Pocock calls it a day but not on political activism

After 11 years of rugby, environment activist David Pocock hasn’t ruled out a run in politics.

David Pocock’s journey in international rugby has come to an end after 11 years and 83 Tests. Picture: Getty

It’s not something he aspires to or really has the time for, but David Pocock has not ruled out entering politics if he believes it might bring about some meaningful progress on climate change and other environmental issues.

In the wake of the 40-16 defeat suffered by the Wallabies at the hands of England in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, Pocock’s journey in international rugby came to an end after 11 years and 83 Tests. Aside from one more season of club football in Japan with Panasonic Wild Knights, a deal he agreed to in 2016, his rugby career is at an end.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had playing for the Wallabies,” said Pocock, who came to Australia as a teenager with his family as they fled the farm seizures and murders unleashed by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.

“As an immigrant, rugby has given me so many opportunities and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had from family and friends, coaches in Australia and back in Zimbabwe as well. It’s time to move on to other things and contribute in other areas.”

But which areas? Pocock is an environmental activist with a wide variety of causes he contributes to but just where he will turn his attention, even he is not too certain. “There is plenty to do. We are facing the climate … who knows what’s going to happen.”

Given that he naturally will gravitate into climate politics, is it possible Pocock might cross over in an attempt to work from within the political system?

“Potentially,” he said. “If you look at both major parties, they’re pretty uninspiring on climate change. I don’t see any bold leadership there. We desperately need it … our farmers are copping it. You really feel for them and I think there is a societal change happening and hopefully our politicians, like on so many other ­issues, actually start to wake up and get ahead of it.”

A run for parliament wouldn’t be Pocock’s first foray into environmental activism and politics.

In 2011, he pledged not to marry his partner, Emma Palandri, until same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia. In December, after same-sex marriage became legal in Australia, they tied the knot. In 2014, he was arrested after he chained himself to a digger for 10 hours as part of a protest at the Maules Creek coalmine in NSW’s Gunnedah Basin. No conviction was recorded.

Emma Pocock has been working in Greens senator Sarah ­Hanson-Young’s office for more than a year.

Pocock has met Greens senator Richard Di Natale socially and attended his Christmas party last year with his wife, but it is understood there have been no formal conversations.

“Richard and David have spoken in the past about their shared passion for action on climate change, and we would certainly welcome his activism if he wanted to get involved in the party,” Senator Di Natale’s spokesman said.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: BEN PACKHAM