Hooper returns for Wallabies' year-end tour
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran flank Michael Hooper was included in Australia’s squad Sunday for their five-Test tour of Europe after pulling out of the Rugby Championship with “mindset” issues.
The 30-year-old’s return is a massive boost for Dave Rennie’s side as they prepare to face Scotland, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales on consecutive Saturdays from October 29.
Hooper, the Wallabies’ most capped skipper, withdrew on the eve of Australia’s Test against Argentina at Mendoza in August, saying he was not in the “right mindset” to lead his country.
He missed all six matches in the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship.
Hooper has not been reinstated as captain.
“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 Rennie.
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 told reporters. “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, James Slipper captained the side, with Hooper’s fellow Test centurion retaining the armband.
Whether Hooper can slot back in at number seven remains unclear with Pete Samu and Fraser McReight both performing well in the position 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.
Marika Koroibete and several other key players were unavailable due to commitments with their clubs in Japan.
But flyhalf 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 New Zealand and one to South Africa.
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 (captain), Sam Talakai, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Tom Wright
