Hooper and Slipper to lead Wallabies together
TEST centurions Michael Hooper and James Slipper will co-captain Australia in the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup this year, with coach Eddie Jones saying yesterday they “embody what it means to be a Wallaby”.
It is the first time the Wallabies have installed two captains, with the inspirational Hooper now appointed leader of the national side under four separate coaches.
“Michael and James are both world-class players, strong leaders and embody what it means to be a Wallaby,” said Jones in announcing their appointment through 2023 among a 34-man squad for the Rugby Championship.
“They have worked hard with the leadership group since January, and it will be important they continue to have strong support from the players around them.”
Flank Hooper, who spent two months out of the game on a mental health break last year, relinquishing the captaincy to prop Slipper, is Australia’s most-capped skipper, having led the side in 68 of his 124 Tests.
Slipper also brings vast experience, with his 127 Test appearances third on the all-time Wallabies list behind George Gregan (139) and Stephen Moore (129).
“It’s an absolute honour to lead the squad alongside Slips,” said Hooper.
“We’ve been having great discussions as a leadership group and wider squad throughout the year and there’s a really optimistic mindset as a collective heading into what’s a massive four months.”
Australia face South Africa in Pretoria on July 8 and Argentina a week later in Sydney, before two Bledisloe Cup fixtures against the All Blacks ahead of their departure for the September-October World Cup in France.
Jones, who took the reins from Dave Rennie in January, named eight uncapped players in the squad, with Rebels pair Carter Gordon and Josh Kemeny rewarded, along with Reds front-rowers Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr.
Brumbies teammates Tom Hooper and Ryan Lonergan also earned callups, as did Waratahs flyer and former Australia Sevens representative Dylan Pietsch.
Towering lock Richie Arnold was the final uncapped player, having helped Stade Toulouse win the Top 14 title in France.
He was one of five overseasbased players named, along with experienced winger Marika Koroibete, flyhalf Quade Cooper and centre Samu Kerevi, all of whom play in Japan, as well as La Rochelle lock Will Skelton.
Under the so-called ‘Giteau’s Law’, Australia only permits three overseas-based players to be picked, but Jones sought approval for two more, which was granted by Rugby Australia.
One of the biggest omissions from the squad was Japan-based playmaker Bernard Foley, who started the last six Tests for the Wallabies.
“Getting selected in the squad is just the start,” said former England coach Jones.
“We’ve got to build the team now and that will require hard work and getting a little bit more out of everyone involved.”