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The NSW Waratahs have announced a shake-up of their leadership roles for the upcoming Super Rugby season, with Michael Hooper named team captain.
However former skipper Dave Dennis maintains a place in the leadership group, as club captain.
Hooper, who was stand-in skipper when the Tahs won the 2014 Super Rugby title, said he was honoured to be named team captain.
“I’m a NSW boy through and through. Growing up in NSW and getting the opportunity to lead NSW is a huge privilege, especially after taking over from Dave Dennis who has been a big influence on my career,” Hooper said.
“Dave and I have a great relationship and the team is culturally really strong so changes that have already taken place this year have been taken really well by the group. This will be no different.
“The Waratahs have a fantastic club history. Some of that history has been built by the guys in this team, so they know that only a collective effort will ensure good performances week to week.
“It’s going to be a learning process for me, it’s a fairly new squad so there’s challenges there, but also excitement around what we can get done on the field.”
It’s the second major change at the top of the Waratahs organisation, with Michael Cheika being replaced as head coach by his former assistant Daryl Gibson.
Gibson said Hooper’s natural leadership skills – the openside flanker captained his country at the tender age of 22 – made him an obvious choice as team captain.
“This is an opportunity for Michael to establish himself as leader of a new group with a view to the long-term future,” Gibson said.
“We are extremely fortunate to have an experienced senior group behind them too, with guidance from players like Dave Dennis and Dean Mumm to assist in leading our team.
“Dave has been, and will continue to be, an outstanding leader at our club. He becomes our club captain, giving us two quality people to lead our team and club.”
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