Michael Hooper is refreshed and ready to retake the Wallabies captaincy for this year’s World Cup, if that’s what new coach Eddie Jones wants.
Last August, Hooper shocked the rugby world when he flew home from Argentina on the eve of a test to take a mental health break from the game declaring his “mindset” wouldn’t allow him to fulfil his responsibilities as a player or captain.
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He missed six tests then returned for the tour of Europe late last year, but not as captain, with James Slipper filling the role.
But as he prepares for the Waratahs’ season-opening Super Rugby game on Friday, Hooper declared he was ready to take back the captaincy, if it was in the best interests of the team.
“Look, I‘m open to whatever’s best for the team,” Hooper , 31, said on Monday.
“My first and…
