Michael Hooper

The Australian captain has left Argentina tour to fly home for personal reasons, showing 'true courage' says Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.

“Michael is an incredible leader, it takes a brave man to identify where he’s at and come forward whilst having the best interests of the team at heart,” Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos said. “I think it’s important, especially for young players, to be educated on how to deal with that. We will support him in any way we can and I know the team will be focused on getting the job done tomorrow.” “It was an easy decision to let him go home where he will get plenty of support around him.” “While this decision did not come easily I know it is the right one for me and the team at this point in time,” Hooper said in a statement. The Wallabies have a daunting schedule in the coming months.

The 121-Test veteran pulled out of the Test after the team was announced on Friday morning, citing a “mindset” issue. “While this decision did not come easily I ...

As I said before, it took a lot of courage for him to address the group so a huge amount of respect from everyone and a respect that we want to get him home and get as much support around him as we can.” Three successive coaches have made Hooper captain, with Ewen McKenzie turning to the northern beaches flanker in 2014. Glenn Maxwell also spent two months away from cricket in 2019. “It’s not uncommon in life, is it? “He’s such a professional. Rennie applauded Hooper for his “courage” in addressing the team on Friday (local time) and putting his wellbeing first.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie and Rugby AU CEO Andy Marinos have spoken to media after Michael Hooper's withdrawal from tomorrow's Test match. Wallabies skipper ...

“His wellbeing is and remains the highest priority right now where Rugby Australia and the Australian Rugby community will do everything to support him and his family.” “My whole career I’ve looked to put the team first and I don’t feel I am able to fulfil my responsibilities at the moment in my current mindset.” “While this decision did not come easily I know it is the right one for me and the team at this point in time," Hooper said in a statement

Captain Michael Hooper will fly home from Argentina after informing Wallabies management and players he wasn't in the right headspace to play.

To be honest, this week we have spoken a lot about our detail and our execution. “He is such a professional, he was able to get on and do the job. It doesn’t matter who you are playing, playing catch up rugby against anyone will get you away from how you want to play the game,” Slipper said. “But clearly he has been struggling a bit and masking that pretty well. “He’s shown true courage by acknowledging where he is at and acting on it.” In a quote provided by the Wallabies, Hooper said: “While this decision did not come easily I know it is the right one for me and the team at this point in time.

The Australian captain is set to fly home to Australia after leaving the Wallabies squad in Argentina. Details here.

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