Michael Hooper was included in Australia’s squad for a five-Test tour of the UK and Europe after pulling out of the Rugby Championship, but James Slipper will lead the Wallabies.
The 30-year-old veteran flanker’s return is a massive boost for the Wallabies as they prepare to face Scotland, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales on consecutive Saturdays from 29 October .
Australia’s most-Test-capped skipper, Hooper withdrew on the eve of the Test against Argentina in Mendoza in August, saying he was not in the “right mindset” to lead his country.
“To have Michael back in the group is massive for our team on and off the field and we’ll continue to make sure that he has the support around him he needs,” said Australia coach Dave Rennie.
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Last week, long-time teammate Bernard Foley said Hooper was in a good place and excited about the tour ahead.
“We’ve had some brief chats recently,” he said. “I think he’s in a place where he’s excited, which is when he’s at his best.
“I think he’s still working on it. It’s going to be ongoing. Just what he went through and to see him wanting to come back is really exciting.”
The 121-Test star’s decision to step away was widely applauded across the game and in his absence, Slipper captained the side, with Hooper’s fellow Test centurion retaining the armband.
Whether Hooper can slot back in at No 7 remains unclear with Pete Samu and Fraser McReight both performing well in his absence.
Rennie named five uncapped players in the 36-man group with Sam Talakai, Ben Donaldson and Mark Nawaqanitawase in their first Wallabies squad.
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Marika Koroibete and several other key players were unavailable due to commitments with their clubs in Japan.
But Foley, who also plays in Japan, was included as one of two overseas-based players. France-based lock Will Skelton was the other.
“We’ve got a massive opportunity over the next five matches to test ourselves against some of the best teams in the world and string together some performances that our supporters are proud of back home in Australia,” said Rennie.
Australia head to Europe on the back of three straight defeats, two against the All Blacks and one to the Springboks.
Australia squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Banks, Jock Campbell, Ben Donaldson, Folau Fainga’a, Lalakai Foketi, Bernard Foley, Matt Gibbon, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Ned Hanigan, Reece Hodge, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Lachlan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Cadeyrn Neville, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Matt Philip, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Pete Samu, Will Skelton, James Slipper (c), Sam Talakai, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Tom Wright.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
