Flanker Michael Hooper has replaced Stephen Moore as captain of the Wallabies on Wednesday after the veteran hooker’s decision to quit international rugby at the end of the season.
Hooper will lead Michael Cheika’s team into back-to-back tests against the world champion All Blacks when the southern hemisphere’s Rugby Championship kicks off later this month.
The abrasive back-rower has long been groomed to step up to the role, having led the side throughout the 2014 season when Moore was injured.
Now 25, Hooper has 68 tests to his credit and played a key role in Australia’s run to the 2015 World Cup final when he and fellow openside flanker David Pocock teamed up in a powerful back row combination.
Michael Hooper said, “Huge privilege, huge honor, you know to get given this role. Particularly after Stephen doing such a great job, being such a leader and a mentor for me. You know, I’m hugely privileged to learn so much off him and then from Cheik to give me, to give me this honour, I feel very special.”
“You know, rugby is such a quick moving world, there’s so much going on week to week, these things don’t really come into your mind, you’ve just got to be moving and running with the times, and when this came across, you know, in front of me, it was a bit of a shock. I guess I am really excited about the challenge ahead. “He said
Australia Rugby Union Team Coach Michael Cheika Said “When you’re asked to be in a leadership position, I’d say that the biggest prerequisite is respect and you know, if there’s one thing that not just the players in the team, I’d say all players in Australian rugby, right the club, right down through the juniors and kids they respect Michael Hooper.
“The way he plays the game and the way he stands up for his, for his colours and for his values. He’s really quite exceptional and I think that’s what made him the standout choice. “He said
Hooper will lead a rebuilding team during a tough period for Australian rugby and faces a baptism of fire against an All Blacks side smarting from being held to a draw in their recent series against the British and Irish Lions.
