A rock anchor assembly includes: a tubular sleeve between first and second ends, having an anchor retaining portion opening on the second end; a rock anchor with an elongate body extending between distal and proximal ends, received in the tubular sleeve with the proximal and distal ends of the body projecting from the first and second ends respectively of the sleeve; a tensioning and locking assemblage on the anchor body between the proximal end and the first end of the sleeve, a forward part being engageable with the first end of the sleeve; and a mechanical anchor engaged to the anchor body at the distal end which, from an unexpanded configuration, expands radially to an expanded configuration. The anchor retaining portion at least partially retains the mechanical anchor in the unexpanded configuration. The anchor retaining portion expands circumferentially to accommodate retracted ingress of the anchor in the expanded configuration.