Wallabies back rower David Pocock says he still hopes to play at the World Cup this year after announcing his retirement from Super Rugby.
The 31-year-old has played only 138 minutes over three matches for the Brumbies in Super Rugby this season because of a succession of injuries, most recently a serious calf muscle strain.
He met Wallabies and Brumbies medical staff last week and agreed that missing the rest of Super Rugby might give him the best chance of playing at the World Cup in September in Japan.
Pocock is due to leave Australia after the world tournament to Japan club the Panasonic Wild Knights on a one-year deal. The 77-test veteran is expected to retire from all rugby when that contract ends.
"The Brumbies have given me a home for the last seven years," Pocock said. "They've supported me through injury.