David Pocock isn’t interested in another playing stint in Japan at the end of this year’s international season and wants to get back to playing good rugby for the Wallabies in order to “return the favour” after a controversial sabbatical.

The back-rower has not featured for his country since December 2016, when he lined up against England.

Back: David Pocock will play his first game for the Wallabies on Saturday since December 2016. Credit:AAP

Pocock then took a 12-month break from Australian rugby, spending his time doing conservation work in Africa, studying at Harvard University in the US and playing in the Top League for the Panasonic Wild Knights.

The lure of the Japanese yen is tempting for players but with the 2019 Rugby World Cup in sight, Pocock says he would rather have valuable time off in December and January after the spring tour than take up an extra opportunity overseas.