David Pocock is remorseful as he gets set to sit out two rounds of Super Rugby following his first ban from the game for foul play.

Michael Leitch has revealed that David Pocock rang him twice to apologise for the "sleeper hold" tackle around the Chiefs backrower's neck.

Rugby's Mr Nice Guy and Wallabies star Pocock issued a heartfelt apology to Leitch and rugby in general after being banned for dangerous play.

Pocock, who champions human rights and environmental issues, was banned for two matches after the incident, which occurred in the Brumbies' Super Rugby clash with the Chiefs last weekend.

And Leitch has duly accepted his apology, with his head coach Dave Rennie revealing that the No 8 didn't want to press charges against Pocock, despite the dangerous nature of the tackle which left him laid out on the floor.

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"David called me the day after the game to apologise and also again yesterday," Leitch said.

"His apology was very genuine and I wholeheartedly accept it. I wish him and his team all the best for the rest of the season."

Rennie was keen to play down the incident, after the Chiefs' brilliant 48-23 over the Brumbies in Canberra.

"I know they asked Michael Leitch to make some comment about it," Rennie said.

"He [Leitch] said he didn't want to press any charges. In the end I guess the judiciary had a decent look at it and made a decision. But certainly from Leitch's point of view, it wasn't major."



The usually squeaky clean Pocock pleaded guilty to breaching Law 10.4 (e) of playing a player without the ball but he was cleared of contravening Law 10.4 (m) of acting contrary to good sportsmanship in the Brumbies' loss to the Chiefs.

In a statement released on his website, and also through his social media platforms, Pocock said sorry to Leitch, his team-mates and "all those who follow rugby" for his actions, which he said were out of character.

The statement read: "Yesterday I faced the judiciary for the first time in my rugby career. 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.

"I am grateful that World Rugby and Sanzaar are concerned about making the game safer for all of us.

"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."

Pocock will miss crunch games against the Waratahs and Crusaders.

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