Wallabies star David Pocock will take a sabbatical from rugby in 2017 before returning to Australia and the Brumbies the following season.
Pocock has turned down lucrative European offers - including a reported $(AUS) 2.8 million offer from Wasps - to commit himself to the Wallabies long term, the back-rower signing on with both the Brumbies and the Australian Rugby Union through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
But he will stilll likely head overseas to study next year before returning to Canberra ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season. There is also the possibility of a short stint in the lucrative Japanese Top League.
"I'm excited to commit to Australian rugby until the end of 2019," Pocock said via a media release.
"I really appreciate the willingness the ARU and Brumbies have shown in allowing me to weigh up my desire to be available for selection leading into the next World Cup against my longevity in the game and pursuing interests outside the sport.
"I believe that after 11 seasons of professional rugby, having a year away from the sport will help increase my years in the game I love.
"It will also give me the opportunity to do a bit more study and pursue interests outside of rugby."
Pocock's re-signing is a huge boost for the Wallabies after he helped drive the Australians all the way through to last year's World Cup final in England.
Having moved from openside flanker to No.8, Pocock turned in a number of superb performances at the breakdown as the Wallabies negotiated a difficult pool before defeating Scotland and Argentina in the quarter- and semifinals, respectively.
The Wallabies were beaten in the final by the All Blacks while Pocock was pipped for Player of the Tournament honours by Dan Carter after the veteran No.10 starred for New Zealand in both the semi and final.
"David's long-term commitment speaks volumes about his character and the values he brings to the game," Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said
"For him to commit to the end of 2019 shows he truly believes in the direction the Wallabies are heading in and how passionate he is about performing at his highest level for Australia."
Queensland Reds were believed to be trying to lure Pocock home to Brisbane; but the 27-year-old forward will remain with the Brumbies after overcoming the two most challenging years of his career in Canberra.
"David is a marquee player and one of the best in the world, if not the best in the world in his position," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
"We've seen over the past 12 months just how valuable he is to the Brumbies and Wallabies both on and off the field.
"He has been with the Brumbies since 2013 and has fought through the toughest parts of his career with this club.
"He's certainly respected by all the players and certainly respected by all the coaches as well.
"We saw last year that after two years out of the game, he came back into Super Rugby and excelled at the next level (the World Cup) as well.
"Right now David's focus is our 2016 Super Rugby campaign."