Reuters Russell/CheyneAustralian rugby superstar David Pocock decided to warm up for today’s Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand by talking about climate change.
When he spoke to The Mirror he was keen to talk about anything but rugby, it seems, telling them he thinks ‘there’s much more to life than chasing a rugby ball.’
The Zimbabwe-born eco-warrior is passionate about championing worthy causes, and sees rugby as a day job – despite this he still leads the World Cup turnover count with 14, which is five more than the nearest rival, according to The Mirror.
Action Images via ReutersHe said:
I don’t think anyone should allow a sport to define them. I’ve absolutely loved rugby and I’m so grateful for the opportunity it’s given me.
But I’m very conscious that at the end of the day it’s a game. It’s there to be enjoyed, but there’s certainly a lot more to life than chasing a rugby ball.
Pocock went on to say: “If you live on earth, which all of us do, climate change is a pretty big issue. We need action and we’re not seeing action. Our politicians aren’t going to do it and it’s all of our futures.”
And he’s definitely not all talk, Pocock recently chained himself to mining equipment in a national forest back home for 10-hours, in protest against plans to open a new coal mine there.
Shaun Botterill/GettyThe rugby star’s also interested in social issues, and he and his wife Emma have famously refused to get married until gay marriage is legal across Australia.
On top of that, when a player used a homophobic slur in a match Pocock stopped play to complain. The offending player was fined – he apologised afterwards and coached a gay rugby team for an afternoon.
Fair play! Good luck to him in the match today.
