Who replaced Michael Hooper as the Wallabies captain? Australia set to enter Rugby World Cup with new leader

Michael Hooper's omission from Australia's Rugby World Cup side signals a new phase of rugby union in the country.

The veteran's absence will be notable, particularly when it comes to leadership.

Eddie Jones has now named a new Wallabies captain, tasked with guiding the team through the upcoming World Cup in France.

WATCH: Wallabies stars talk Rugby World Cup, NRL converts and Eddie Jones

Who is the Wallabies' new captain? Will Skelton to lead Australia into Rugby World Cup

Will Skelton has been named as Australia's captain for the upcoming World Cup.

The 31-year-old has developed into one of the elite locks in world rugby and will be leading by example in September.

Skelton actually began his sporting career by playing rugby league, progressing to the Harold Matthews representative level.

His monstrous physical attributes saw him catch the eye of union teams though, pivoting to the 15-player came after a NSW Waratahs training day.

Upon joining Sydney University, he would win the grand final with the Colts 2^nd XV before entering the Waratahs Academy after completing high school.

Within two seasons Skelton progressed from the academy to the first team.

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In 2014, he would star in the Waratahs' first title-winning campaign and would debut for the Wallabies against France, where he even scored a try. 

The following year, Skelton was selected for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and despite hardly featuring in the tournament due to injury, he emerged as one of Australia’s most promising players.

Skelton then struggled in his return from injury at the Waratahs and was loaned to Saracens in the English Premiership Rugby competition.

That loan deal would materialise into a two-year permanent contract where Skelton would blossom into an elite lock.

Skelton won two premierships with Saracens in 2018 and 2019, as well as European Champions Cups in 2018 and 2019.

Success would follow Skelton in his move to La Rochelle in France with his side winning European Championships in 2022 and 2023.

Despite his overseas success, the ‘Giteau Law’ meant Skelton would be overlooked for selection from 2016-2021, with 1,814 days elapsing before he was recalled to the national team.

Since his 2021 return, Skelton has earned ten caps for the Wallabies.

Wallabies squad: Why has Michael Hooper been omitted from Australia's Rugby World Cup team?

While the reason behind Hooper's axing has not been made clear, it is likely injury-related.

The No. 7 suffered a calf injury ahead of the Wallabies' Test with Argentina in July, before missing both games of the Bledisloe Cup. 

He was expected to recover in time for Australia's clash with New Zealand in Dunedin but ultimately did not travel with the team, suggesting he was dealt an injury setback.

The 31-year-old's omission from the 33-man squad is significant due to his leadership and experience.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has put his faith in his youthful side, though.

“I’ve backed the young blokes because they earned it. Simple as that. I haven’t handed it to them. They grabbed it,” Jones said.

Wallabies World Cup: Eddie Jones reveals full 33-player squad

Forwards

Hookers: Dave Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Matt Faessler

Props: Angus Bell, James Slipper, Blake Schoupp, Taniela Tupou, Pone Fa’amausili, Zane Nonggorr

Locks: Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Matt Philip

Back-row: Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Langi Gleeson

Backs

Halfbacks: Tate McDermott, Nic White, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa

Fly-halves: Carter Gordon

Centres: Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi

Outside backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu, Marika Koroibete, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen

Utility: Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny

Wallabies fixtures 2023

Australia will play one friendly match against France in late August before their World Cup campaign gets underway in September.