AFTER the signing of injured Test halfback Will Genia to a new three-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union, contract talks with David Pocock have been placed in a "holding pattern" until after the European tour.
One of the stumbling blocks has been the fact Pocock has recently changed management companies. In addition, the champion flanker has also been troubled by a calf strain while on tour.
News of the stalled talks between the ARU and Pocock come as speculation heightens that the controversial Quade Cooper will announce at a press conference on Monday that he is walking away from the codeafter receiving a less than flattering incentive contract offer from the ARU.
Although Cooper has agreed to a new three-year deal with the Queensland Reds to play Super Rugby, it was contingent on him agreeing to terms with the ARU.
The Weekend Australian was told yesterday the ARU's player contract manager, Richard Hawkins, and high performance unit chief, David Nucifora, had begun talks with Pocock's new management team.

"Talks between all the parties are progressing," an ARU spokesman said yesterday.
"The ARU thought it would be more prudent for the current tour to be wrapped up first then resume talks with David."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor...-1226523109694

ED: Another case of a provincial deal announced before the ARU Deal is inked. So called "protocols"