True Grit
The incredible story of David Pocock, the international rugby star who defies all expectations
True Grit follows David Pocock's epic journey from an idyllic childhood on a Zimbabwean farm, to the terror of fleeing Mugabwe's land requisitions, to a new start in Australia and emergence as an international rugby captain and world champion. Pocock's journey has imbued him with a keen sense of social and environmental justice, standing up for same sex marriage and protesting fossil fuel extraction. Despite suffering career-ending injuries, and abuse for his beliefs, Pocock has come out on top, and stronger than ever.
"David Pocock has been arrested for his part in an anti-coal mine protest in northern New South Wales. The 26-year-old was on the equipment for 10 hours before being arrested and charged", announced a news reporter. Frustrated by the lack of concern for the environment, Pocock was risking his place in the Wallabies to make a stand for what he believed in. Despite a night in the cells, "he turned up here, ready to go for training at 7am, rolled out onto the field and trained better than anyone else", says his coach Stephen Larkham.
David Pocock's story began in Zimbabwe, a rugby-obsessed farm boy. The Pocock family's African dream was ended by the beginning of the violent land seizures, provoked by Robert Mugabe. Fearing for their safety, the family moved to Brisbane. With a new home came new challenges. "As a 14-year old rocking up with a different accent, and a different background, you didn't really fit in", remembers David. David's answer was to throw himself wholeheartedly into rugby, to train harder than anyone else.
Going from strength to strength, David soon found himself playing professionally, and quickly breaking into the Australian national team. It was around this time, with the help of partner Emma and friend Luke, that David began to develop his social and environmental conscience. Following a trip back to Zimbabwe, David and Luke founded EighteenTwenty Vision, a charity to help the people of Nyaki.
David's protests activities continued during his injury-induced two year absence from rugby, refusing to marry until same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia. "We kind of decided that we didn't want to be part of some exclusive club that didn't allow some of our friends to express their love." Against all odds, he went on to make a starring return in Australia's 2016 World Cup run to the final, ending with heartbreak in the final against New Zealand. "I guess it's one of those things that you'll think about for the rest of your life".
This intimate profile reveals a complex man who uses his celebrity status to be a force for change in the world.
FULL SYNOPSIS
David Pocock's story began in Zimbabwe, a rugby-obsessed farm boy. The Pocock family's African dream was ended by the beginning of the violent land seizures, provoked by Robert Mugabe. Fearing for their safety, the family moved to Brisbane. With a new home came new challenges. "As a 14-year old rocking up with a different accent, and a different background, you didn't really fit in", remembers David. David's answer was to throw himself wholeheartedly into rugby, to train harder than anyone else.
Going from strength to strength, David soon found himself playing professionally, and quickly breaking into the Australian national team. It was around this time, with the help of partner Emma and friend Luke, that David began to develop his social and environmental conscience. Following a trip back to Zimbabwe, David and Luke founded EighteenTwenty Vision, a charity to help the people of Nyaki.
David's protests activities continued during his injury-induced two year absence from rugby, refusing to marry until same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia. "We kind of decided that we didn't want to be part of some exclusive club that didn't allow some of our friends to express their love." Against all odds, he went on to make a starring return in Australia's 2016 World Cup run to the final, ending with heartbreak in the final against New Zealand. "I guess it's one of those things that you'll think about for the rest of your life".
This intimate profile reveals a complex man who uses his celebrity status to be a force for change in the world.
