Wallabies

The talented backrower, who missed last year's Spring Tour late last year to take time with his family following the death of his father, admitted he had considered not returning to the sport.

But he came to the realisation it was not what his father - the man who introduced him to rugby and instilled in him a love of the sport - would have wanted.

So the player who took the field for the Wallabies as Lukhan Tui last year just days after his family tragedy, re-emerged this season as Salakaia-Loto, changing his surname to honour both his late father and birth father.

Pocock has played his final game for the Brumbies and has put all of his focus on September's tournament after a near three-month layoff with a calf injury.

The 31-year-old initially suffered the calf injury back in January at Wallabies camp and though he has played three games this season, he has not been able to get the muscle 100 per cent right.

Pocock said the call to focus on the World Cup took pressure off himself to try and rush back, as well as limiting the weekly questions to coach Dan McKellar about his star no. 7's return date.

Folau’s multi-million dollar contract was terminated a fortnight ago over a controversial social media post. 

Pocock has often been seen as a juxtaposition to Folau in his views, a vocal advocate of a number of issues.

He and wife Emma did not get legally wed until same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia, Pocock uses his social media accounts to raise awareness about issues including climate change.

Sio, 27, has made 55 Test appearances for Australia since his debut in 2013, a year after he played his first game for the Brumbies.

He will remain in Australia and with the Brumbies until at least the end of 2022 after his new deal was announced on Wednesday.

"I'm super excited to re-sign. I've obviously been at the club for a long time and I've seen a lot of what we're trying to grow," Sio said in a statement.

The 38-year-old, who won 111 caps for the Wallabies, called time on his career after a short spell with Premiership side Bristol Bears.

Smith also featured for the likes of Toulon, Lyon, Stade Francais and Wasps after beginning his career with Super Rugby club the Brumbies.

The flanker, fifth on the list of Australia's most-capped players, stressed he will end his playing days with no regrets.

"Finally the day has come where I officially announce my retirement from professional rugby," Smith said.

Rugby Australia had set down two days for the hearing over the weekend, both of which were held at the organisation's offices.

With the offices back to normal operation during the week, this third day is set to be moved to the offices of Herberts, Freehills and Mason in Sydney's CBD.

Rugby Australia said on Monday afternoon that a decision would not be made by the end of Tuesday, though it is expected to be the final day of the formal hearing.

Folau will be required to attend again.

The Wallabies superstar has been charged with a high-level code of conduct breach following his latest controversial social media post, and will front a three-person panel at Rugby Australia HQ in Sydney.

The following day has been reserved in case the hearing runs into a second day.

Respected Sydney barrister John West QC will chair the tribunal, with Rugby Australia representative Kate Eastman SC and Rugby Union Players' Association representative John Boultbee the other panellists.

With the rugby future of incumbent test fullback Folau in doubt as he awaits his code of conduct hearing, utility Beale has been challenged to showcase his skills at the back for the rest of the Super Rugby season.

He will start there in the Waratahs' crucial clash with Australian conference leaders Melbourne Rebels at the SCG on Saturday.

It's a familiar job for Beale, who made his name in international rugby as fullback, earning nomination for World Player of the Year in 2010 and playing the 2011 World Cup there before becoming the regular inside centre.

Folau has found few supporters in the rugby community after attacking gay and transgender people on social media last week, which led to Rugby Australia terminating his $4 million contract, pending an upcoming hearing.

Folau confirmed to RA on Wednesday that he wanted a hearing to fight his dismissal, rather than accepting his fate; though his place in Australian rugby appears untenable whatever the outcome.

Genia followed Wallabies coach Michael Cheika in saying that he did not expect Folau to play for Australia again.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika revealed RA had applied for Australia to wear the hugely popular jersey in two games in Japan in September and October this year.

Test veteran Kurtley Beale, an Indigenous Australian, said last year it could be a powerful weapon for the Wallabies at a World Cup.

"It would be nice to wear it at the World Cup one day.

"Maybe that's something we could talk about in the future.

"You have two playing strips in the World Cup.