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Cape Town - Brumbies flanker David Pocock has issued an apology following a sanction issued by SANZAAR that sees him suspended for three weeks.
The incident involved him contravening Law 10.4(e) Playing a player without the ball is dangerous play when he grabbed Chiefs number eight Michael Leitch by the neck in the 74th minute in the Brumbies 48-23 loss to the Hamilton side in Canberra.
In a the 27-year-old Zimbabwean born has extended an apology not only to Leitch but to the Chiefs, Brumbies and even entire rugby fratenity.
"Yesterday I faced the judiciary for the first time in my rugby career," Pocock said.
"I am incredibly disappointed with my actions. I endeavour to play the game I love in a way that reflects the kind of toughness and decency I think rugby can teach us.
"On Saturday night I did not live up to those standards, placing Michael Leitch in danger by binding on his neck in a maul.
"It was not my intention to hurt Michael, but in these sorts of circumstances it is not intention that matters.
Furthermore he added that he fully supports World Rugby and SANZAAR in their bid to make the game safe for all in every format.
I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to Michael.
"And to apologise to the Chiefs, Brumbies and all those who follow rugby.
"I'd also like to apologise to my team mates who I will let down over the next few weeks while suspended.
"I am grateful that World Rugby and SANZAAR are concerned about making the game safer for all of us."
