Michael Hooper has expressed his full commitment to the Wallabies captaincy for the upcoming 2023 Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup, following a break he took last year due to mental health reasons. Hooper, who is now 31 years old, was announced as co-captain alongside James Slipper on Sunday, leveraging their combined experience of 251 Tests under coach Eddie Jones. The decision was made by Jones on Saturday night on the Gold Coast, where the team is currently preparing for their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks in Pretoria on July 9 (AEST).
This is the first time in Wallabies history that the captaincy duties have been split. Jones had suggested this idea back in April, indicating that Slipper could play for around 50-60 minutes, while Hooper would remain on the field for the full 80 minutes. Hooper, who considers this World Cup in France to likely be his last, has regained his enthusiasm this season. He revealed that Jones had checked in with him regarding his mental health and expressed his excitement for giving his all to the team.
Hooper stated, “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’ve got for this. I want to get everything out of this next little chunk.”
Slipper, who led the Wallabies toward the end of 2022 when Hooper returned home during the Rugby Championship, has also overcome personal challenges, including a ban for cocaine use in 2018. He expressed his excitement not only for his own journey but for what the team can achieve in the future.
The Wallabies squad for the upcoming tournaments includes forwards Allan Alaalatoa, Richie Arnold, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Matt Gibbon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Dave Porecki, Pete Samu, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, and Rob Valetini. The backs include Quade Cooper, Lalakai Foketi, Carter Gordon, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau, Marika Koroibete, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, and Tom Wright. The utility players are Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny, and Dylan Pietsch.
Denial of responsibility! SamacharCentrl is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
