Dave Rennie leaves door ajar for Michael Hooper to return as Wallabies captain
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has left the door open for a return to the captaincy for Michael Hooper, should he want it.
In August, Hooper stepped away from the Wallabies on the eve of the Rugby Championship to focus on his mental health.
The veteran said he wasn't in the right frame of mind to lead the side and fulfil his responsibilities.
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James Slipper was subsequently given the nod to captain the Wallabies and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Test centurion Hooper has been named in the 36-man squad to tour Europe across October and November.
While Slipper's tenure as captain will continue, Rennie hasn't ruled out a return to the top role for Hooper.
Michael Hooper will return to the Wallabies side after a mental health-induced break. Getty
Asked after the spring tour team naming whether Hooper was "done" with captaining the Wallabies, Rennie replied, "I wouldn't say that.
"Obviously, Slips [James Slipper] has taken over that role in the last few Tests and he'll continue to do so.
"He's a good man, Slips, he's got a huge amount of respect within the group and like I said, Hoops' job is to just come in and play well – and what we know, he'll lead from example.
"He'll contribute from outside of that leadership group, and that's really important to us.
"When we've had guys like Quade Cooper in the group, the quality of people outside of the leadership group is very influential, so I'm sure he'll contribute massively anyway."
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie embraces captain Michael Hooper. Getty
"It's great news from our perspective," he added.
"He's really excited about travelling and playing. He's done a lot of work over the last wee while and training with our Sydney-based boys for the last couple of weeks.
"We were keen for him just to come in and focus on himself. With a player like that, he'll lead from outside the leadership group. We just want him focusing on himself at the moment."
Whether Hooper is part of the starting 15 or plays from the bench remains to be seen.
In any case, Rennie affirmed there's little pressure on the Sydney-sider.
"It's something we discussed a while back, that when he comes back in it's a chance to focus on him and just come in and play good footy," Rennie explained.
Incumbent Wallabies captain James Slipper will continue to lead the side when the side heads to Europe. Getty
"We'll assess things as they go. We're happy with the contributions Slips is making. Like I said, Hoops will chip in and help where required."
Five uncapped players have been selected as part of the squad, namely Sam Talakai (Melbourne Rebels), Ben Donaldson (NSW Waratahs), Mark Nawaqanitawase (NSW Waratahs), Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds) and Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs).
The Wallabies face Scotland on October 30 before fixtures against France, Italy, Ireland and Wales.
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