Australia back row David Pocock announces he will retire from international rugby after the 2019 Rugby World Cup

The 31-year-old made his debut in 2008 and will play in his third World Cup in Japan

Australia back row David Pocock has announced that he will retire from international rugby at the conclusion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Pocock, 31, has made nearly 80 appearances for the Wallabies despite a number of injuries and a sabbatical in 2017.

Pocock will captain Australia in his final game on home soil against Samoa this weekend.

“I guess on a personal note, it adds a bit,” he said.

“You reflect on the time you’ve had in the Wallabies jersey, what you’ve tried to add, the legacy you hope you’ll leave and then just the opportunity to play in front of family and friends one last time. We know that without a good team performance, it won’t be as special.”

One of the game’s arch kleptomaniacs, Pocock has been a fine breakdown operator since the beginning of his career. Tough in the tackle and limpet-like over the ball, Pocock excelled in the 2011 World Cup as Australia reached the semi-final, and his partnership with Michael Hooper was fundamental to the Wallabies’ progress to the 2015 World Cup final. The pair look set to be reunited at seven and eight in Japan.

Socially conscious, the Zimbabwe-born back row has raised awareness of environmental issues and campaigned against homophobia and for marriage equality, with Pocock and partner Emma Palandri delaying their legal marriage until the latter was granted in Australia.

Pocock will leave the game earlier than some, but his stealing style has placed great strain on his body, with a number of serious knee problems and other injuries disrupting his career. Indeed, this weekend’s game with Samoa will be his first since 8 March after a reoccurrence of a calf issue.

And while he leaves a sizeable hole in Australia’s back row, Pocock thinks there are a good group of potential successors.

David Pocock has played nearly 80 times for Australia (Getty) (2015 Getty Images)

“I think looking at the flankers coming through, I think we’re in good hands and that’s exciting for Australian rugby,”

Scrum-half Will Genia, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and prop Sekope Kepu have also announced they will retire once World Cup business is concluded.

“I feel like I’ve put a lot into it, I’ve really enjoyed it, benefited a huge amount,” Pocock concluded.

“As an immigrant to Australia, rugby has provided me with somewhere to make friends, to feel like I belong and obviously gone on to get huge opportunities playing professional rugby.”