True Grit: The David Pocock Story - Part 1

To most rugby fans, David Pocock is that Wallaby who cannot be moved off the ball. Dig a little deeper though, and you’ll find that he’s a unique individual with a fascinating story. In this enlightening film, we get to travel back to his former homeland to learn more.

Pocock, still just 27, is arguably one of the best rugby players on the planet right now.

But fifteen years ago his family’s lives were turned upside down as they fled politically savaged Zimbabwe, searching for a more peaceful upbringing for the three brothers in Australia.

In this short documentary we see David and partner Emma travel back to southern Africa, visiting his family’s farms and explaining, through the use of extensive home footage, exactly what the early days were like, and how the trauma has shaped those who experienced it.

Pocock talks about always wanting to be a professional rugby player, aiming to be a Springbok from a young age, and then when moving to Brisbane took things to another level with extreme dedication, perhaps as a way of coping with the past.

It is a fascinating insight into not only the life of modern rugby great, but the documentary also covers an important piece of history, an unfortunate circumstance that has shaped Pocock’s drive for effecting social and enviromental change in both Australia and Africa.

Note: 27 minutes long. Part 2 will be posted next week

As if David Pocock couldn’t get any more badass! Great work from the Zimbabwean born Wallaby while visiting his former homeland. Much respect. ???????????? #rugbyvalues #Repost @davidpocock ??? Loved spending some time with the men at the forefront of the effort to protect rhino. Committed, passionate and enjoying what they do (most of the time) – inspiring to see their commitment in the face of real danger and the challenges of conservation.

A video posted by Rugbydump (@rugbydump) on Dec 2, 2015 at 10:36pm PST