Captaincy dropped by Hooper

RUGBY UNION: Wallabies captain and openside flanker Michael Hooper has stood down as skipper of the NSW Waratahs, with Test lock Rob Simmons taking over.

The fulltime captain of NSW for the past four seasons, Hooper still intends to make himself available to be Wallabies skipper – a role he has held since August 2017.

Utility back Kurtley Beale is the Tahs’ new vice-captain.

Hooper (pictured) said he had been considering his decision for about 18 months and had question marks about continuing to captain the Waratahs as well as the Wallabies.

“Doing both roles for some time, it would be remiss of me to say it doesn’t have a taxing effect,” he said. “There’s much more than just running out on the park, leading the team out on the weekend.

“There’s performances of teams that weigh into it, there’s the media, all my friends. Having to speak every week is tough and trying to get the message right and represent the team as best as possible.

“A big part of it is I’ve got another four years here and I want to make that four years really special and take my personal game and leadership to another level.”

Asked about the Wallabies captaincy, he said: “That’s a fair way away, but my thoughts around that have not changed.

“I still think I’ve got a lot of growing in myself, my game play and my captaincy.

“Those are conversations (new Wallabies coach) Dave (Rennie) and myself will be having I’m sure in the future.”

Simmons, is in his third season with NSW after captaining the Reds during his time there.