Michael Hooper and James Slipper to captain Eddie Jones’ Wallabies
Veteran duo Michael Hooper and James Slipper will lead Australia in the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup as co-captains after a 34-man squad was named by Eddie Jones.
Hooper’s return to a leadership role comes after a three-month mental break taken away from the game last year. He has since come back to the sport and completed a full season with the Waratahs.
Ready to give everything
The great flanker, who holds the record of the most Tests as a Wallabies captain (68), claims he is absolutely ready to return to a leadership position within the Australian set-up.
“I don’t mind saying that Eddie checked in with me,” Hooper told AAP.
“I have my history and particularly in the last 18 months where it didn’t quite work out there.
“I was unsure what my position looked like in rugby at that point. Now, I can’t wait to give everything I got for this.
“I want to get everything out of this next little chunk.”
Meanwhile, Jones believes the two experienced campaigners are the ideal players to lead the squad.
“Michael and James are both world class players, strong leaders and embody what it means to be a Wallaby,” the boss said.
“Getting selected in the squad is just the start, we’ve got to build the team now and that will require hard work and getting a little bit more out of everyone involved.”
Uncapped stars
The veteran coach named eight uncapped players with Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Dylan Pietsch (all Brumbies), Carter Gordon, Josh Kemeny (both Rebels), Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr (both Reds) and Toulouse-based Richie Arnold included.
Arnold is joined by several overseas-based players as management applied for two extra slots for foreign-based players in addition to the existing three. Quade Cooper, Marika Koroibete and Will Skelton are some of these players whilst Samu Kerevi is in the rehab group.
The Wallabies begin their Rugby Championship campaign against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld on July 8.
Australia squad
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Richie Arnold, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Matt Gibbon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, David Porecki, Pete Samu, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini
Backs: Quade Cooper, Lalakai Foketi, Carter Gordon, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau, Marika Koroibete, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Tom Wright, Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny, Dylan Pietsch
Wallabies Rugby Championship fixtures
Wallabies v South Africa, Saturday 8 July at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Wallabies v Argentina, Saturday 15 July at CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday 29 July at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday 5 August at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
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