Michael Hooper (right) is noted for the highest number of Test matches captained for Australia.
Eddie Jones, the head coach of Australia’s national rugby union team, has declared Michael Hooper and James Slipper as the inaugural co-captains of the Wallabies.
Flanker Hooper, with 68 captaincies under his belt, resumes his leadership role less than a year after stepping back from the team, citing an unprepared “mindset” for competition.
Prop Slipper stepped into Hooper’s shoes as team leader, piloting the squad in 12 games.
Jones drew his concept of dual leadership from the Australian rules football team, the Sydney Swans.
“The Swans have a culture of dual leadership and I wanted to explore the pros and cons of this approach,” explained Jones, the former England head coach who succeeded Dave Rennie in January.
“With Slips and Hoops, I believe we’ve got the spectrum of the squad covered. Both possess unique leadership styles and distinctive game tactics. I envisage a formidable captaincy duo in them.”
For the Rugby Championship, Jones has assembled a 34-man roster, with Bernard Foley, the fly-half, being the most significant exclusion, despite his re-entry into the Wallabies squad last season, after a hiatus of three years from Test matches.
Among the eight new recruits in the squad are hooker Matt Faessler, prop Zane Nonggorr, and flanker Josh Kemeny.
Selecting the squad was “probably one of the most challenging tasks I’ve undertaken,” shared Jones, who had a previous stint coaching Australia from 2001 to 2005.
“The selection for the back row, standoff, and halfback were all fiercely contested. It resulted in a few restless nights.
“We anticipate at least a 20% injury rate in the Rugby Championship and the World Cup, so opportunities will arise for those who didn’t make the cut.”
The Rugby Championship, a yearly competition featuring Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and South Africa, commences on 8 July.
The Rugby World Cup is set to take place in France, running from 8 September to 28 October.
Subscribe to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Australia Rugby Co-Captains
Who are the newly named co-captains of the Australian Rugby Union team, the Wallabies?
The new co-captains of the Wallabies are Michael Hooper and James Slipper.
What roles have Michael Hooper and James Slipper held in the team prior to this appointment?
Michael Hooper, a flanker, had previously captained Australia in 68 matches. He had taken a break from the squad less than a year prior due to mindset issues. James Slipper, a prop, had replaced Hooper as captain during his absence and led the team in 12 games.
Who is the current head coach of the Wallabies and when did he take up this position?
The current head coach of the Wallabies is Eddie Jones, who took up the role in January, replacing Dave Rennie.
Who has not been included in the squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship?
Bernard Foley, the fly-half, has been notably omitted from the 34-strong squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
When and where will the next Rugby World Cup take place?
The next Rugby World Cup will be held in France, from 8 September to 28 October.
More about Australia Rugby Co-Captains
- Australian Rugby Union official website
- Wallabies Team Profile
- Rugby Championship Official Website
- Rugby World Cup Official Website
- Michael Hooper Player Profile
- James Slipper Player Profile
- Eddie Jones Coach Profile
- Bernard Foley Player Profile
5 comments
i reckon Hoops and Slips will make a top notch duo. Can’t wait for the championship to kick off!! 🙂
Crazy to see Hooper back in the captain’s seat…wasn’t expecting that! But I trust Jones, he’s a good strategist.
Not sure bout Foley not bein in the squad, he was doin pretty good last season.
Jones has a history of makin good calls, I have faith in him! Let’s bring home the cup, boys!
never seen a co-captain situation before, wonder how it’s gonna work out. anyway, go wallabies!