'All in': Hungry Michael Hooper takes Wallabies reins again as co-captain with James Slipper
Michael Hooper says he is "all in" after returning to the Wallabies captaincy for the 2023 Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup following a mental health break last year.
The 31-year-old was appointed co-captain with incumbent James Slipper on Sunday as coach Eddie Jones leant on their combined 251 Tests of experience.
Slipper said the pair were only asked by Jones to lead the team on Saturday night on the Gold Coast, where the team are preparing for their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks in Pretoria on July 9 (AEST).
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Co-captain Michael Hooper speaks to media during the Wallabies Rugby Championship squad announcement. Getty
Slipper led the Wallabies at the end of 2022 after Hooper returned home from the Rugby Championship to prioritise his mental health.
But the flanker has been re-energised this season as he eyes what will almost certainly be his final World Cup in France in September/October.
"I don't mind saying that Eddie checked in with me," Hooper told reporters.
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Wallabies coach Eddie Jones with co-captains James Slipper and Michael Hooper. Getty
"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."
It is the first time the Wallabies have split leadership duties but Jones floated the idea back in April.
The coach indicated that prop Slipper could play 50-60 minutes while flanker Hooper remained an 80 minute player.
"You've seen me play enough to know I throw myself into everything when it comes to rugby," Hooper said.
"The Waratahs is an example of that, I threw myself into that with everything I've got.
Michael Hooper of the Waratahs is tackled. Getty
"I've always said throughout the whole of this year, whatever is best for the team is what I'll support.
"So right now this is what's best for the team and if that changes then I'm all in, no matter what. I feel privileged as always to captain the team, to do that with a new coach, new crew and with Slips, a guy who I've had such great times playing with on and off field, I'm rapt."
Slipper has battled his own demons including a ban for using cocaine in 2018.
"My journey's got plenty of ups and downs but I think the biggest thing out of today and moving forward is this group having an eye on what's coming up," Slipper said.
"Individually I'm pumped but I'm more pumped for this team and what we can do."
WALLABIES SQUAD
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, 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
Utilities: Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny, Dylan Pietsch
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