Hooper: My mindset’s not right to play
WALLABIES captain Michael Hooper has returned to Australia from Argentina for personal reasons, saying he is unable to fulfil his responsibilities in his current mindset.
Prop James Slipper has taken over the captain duties, while Fraser McReight replaced Hooper yesterday on the openside flank.
Hooper, 30, who has won 121 caps, said: “While this decision did not come easily I know it is the right one for me and the team at this point in time.
“My whole career I’ve looked to put the team first and I don’t feel I am able to fulfil my responsibilities at the moment in my current mindset.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said there were no signs through the week of Hooper’s anguish.
“Nothing was evident to us in how he trained, how he contributed around the team, around leadership was excellent but clearly he’s been struggling a bit and masking that pretty well,” said Rennie.
“Obviously he’s been able to suppress things over the past handful of weeks and so we certainly weren’t aware of anything but he’s such a professional and he was able to get on and do the job.
“He addressed the team which took an enormous amount of courage to let them know that he’s not okay and that he felt it was best for himself and for the team that he gets home.
“It was an easy decision to let him go home where he will get plenty of support around him.”
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: “Michael is an incredible leader, it takes a brave man to identify where he’s at and come forward whilst having the best interests of the team at heart.
“His wellbeing is and remains the highest priority right now where Rugby Australia and the Australian Rugby community will do everything to support him and his family.”
Hooper has received praise from current and former professionals on his decision to withdraw, including former England international Danny Cipriani who tweeted: “A lot of courage. Strength in vulnerability. Well done Michael Hooper!”