Wallabies star David Pocock's long-awaited return to Australia from a Rugby sabbatical has been pushed back after he went under the knife on Saturday to repair a damaged knee.

The 29-year-old will be on the sidelines for up to 12 weeks after having the surgery to fix damage to his meniscus, missing the start of the Super Rugby season with the ACT Brumbies.

"There is always frustration and disappointment, but all you can do is control your reaction to it. Having a bit of time off [last year], I realise how fortunate I am," Pocock told the Canberra Times Sunday.

"I was looking forward to arriving back in Canberra with some match fitness and ready to go, but this is probably the better approach. I've managed it for ages, this is the smart decision."

Pocock took a 12-month sabbatical last year from international duties, which included a stint with Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights.

The injury had been niggling the Wallabies star who could return for the Brumbies in mid-March, pending consultation with his surgeon.

"It's the kind of thing that if you keep managing, at some point if it tears it will be a lot worse. You wouldn't want that to be halfway through the season."

One of the world's leading back-rows, Pocock stepped away from the game to freshen up for the upcoming two seasons with the Brumbies and the Wallabies, including 2019's World Cup

Source: AFP