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Pocock out for nine months

Sydney - Wallaby David Pocock was on Friday ruled out of rugby for nine months following knee surgery in a shattering blow for the key flanker and former Australian captain.

Pocock, 24, underwent surgery on Thursday on a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will be sidelined for the rest of the year as he completes his rehabilitation, the Australian Rugby Union said.

"I'm pleased to have the surgery out of the way. Now I need to rest up and get myself ready to start the rehabilitation process, Pocock said in a statement.

"The key thing is that I'm patient and don't try to rush back. If that means season over, in terms of playing any more rugby this year, then so be it. Once I get into the rehabilitation, we'll see how it goes."

It is a major setback for Pocock who will miss Australia's Test series against the British and Irish Lions and the Wallabies' internationals in the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.

The star forward suffered the knee injury playing for the Brumbies in their 35-6 Super Rugby win over the Waratahs in Canberra last weekend.

He fell awkwardly in a tackle by fellow Wallaby Adam Ashley-Cooper early in the first half of the game and was replaced by former Wallaby flank George Smith.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will now have to find a flanker replacement with the early contenders likely to be the Waratahs' Michael Hooper or Liam Gill of the Queensland Reds.

The latest setback comes after Pocock had surgery on his other knee last year, which ruled him out for three months.

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