David Pocock’s arrival in Canberra is set to boost the ACT Brumbies on the field tonight but his off-field presence is already paying dividends as the club secures its sponsors for the future.
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The Brumbies will begin the second season of the Jake White era when they play the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.
Pocock is the marquee recruit and one of the world’s best openside flankers.
But his away-from-rugby interests set him apart from most other players and his third-party deal with Carbon Trade Exchange - which was finalised last week - has helped the Brumbies sign their sponsors.
The chief executive of the Carbon Trade Exchange is Wayne Sharpe. Sharpe was the founder of Bartercard and when Pocock committed to his new company, it boosted the Brumbies’ negotiations with Bartercard.
Recruiting Pocock also helped the Brumbies sign Land Rover and at least two other sponsors.
This season the Brumbies boast the most lucrative playing strip in the club’s history with $1.8million worth of sponsorship.
‘‘It couldn’t have been a better win-win-win with us, David, the Brumbies and Bartercard renewing their partnership with the Brumbies,’’ Sharpe said.
‘‘David is just one of those guys that has the guts to go and say [his views]. Others aren’t willing to put it out there on the line, but that’s what I like about him.
‘‘He plays his environmental game like his plays his rugby game - in your face.’’
Pocock’s rugby ability launched him into the spotlight. But he uses his profile to help charities and those less fortunate.
Pocock and wife Emma are passionate about the rights for gay marriage and climate change is also on the list.
‘‘Real action on issues as large as climate change and the care of our global environment needs
to start now,’’ Pocock said after signing his deal.
‘‘Companies and individuals really have no excuse now that it’s easy and cost effective.’’