Third row Michael Hooper and prop James Slipper will be the co-captains of the Australian team at the Rugby World Cup in France (September 8 – October 28), coach Eddie Jones announced on Sunday for whom they “embodied what it means to be a Wallaby”. It is the first time the Wallabies will have two captains, with the indefatigable Hooper having previously captained the Australian side under four different coaches.
“Michael and James are both players of international stature and epitomize what it means to be a Wallaby,” Jones said as he announced their 2023 appointments as part of the 34-man squad who will play in the matches against South Africa. on July 8 and Argentina on July 15, as part of the Rugby Championship dress rehearsal at the 2023 World Cup. surround”.
Hooper, who spent two months sidelined for health reasons last year, handing over the captaincy to Slipper, is Australia’s most capped captain, holding the post 68 times. Australia’s most-selected prop, Slipper, has previously featured at the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups.