Michael Hooper withdraws from Wallabies tour citing ‘mindset’ struggles
4 min read
The Wallabies will be without captain Michael Hooper for the Rugby Championship opener against Argentina after the skipper informed coach Dave Rennie he’s struggling mentally.
The four-time John Eales Medalist told team officials on Thursday night his « mindset » is not where it should be to lead the team against the Pumas on Sunday morning (5.10am AEST) in Mendoza.
« The 121 Test openside flanker believes he’s not in the mindset to fulfil the responsibility that goes with leading and representing his country at this point in time, » the Wallabies said in a statement on Saturday.
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Centurion prop James Slipper will take over the Wallabies captaincy, and Fraser McReight will come into the team at openside flanker.
« 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.
« 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. »
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The Wallabies have given him the green light to take as much time as he needs.
Rennie described Hooper’s decision as courageous.
« Michael’s one of the most professional and impressive men I’ve coached (and) I know this has been a difficult decision for him, » Rennie said.
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« He’s shown true courage by acknowledging where he is at and acting on it.
« We will support him in any way we can and I know the team will be focused on getting the job done tomorrow. »
Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos described Hooper as « 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, » Marinos said.
« 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. »
Rennie later spoke with reporters and added more context to Hooper’s withdrawal.
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« How he trained and how he contributed around the team around leadership was excellent, » Rennie said.
« But clearly he has been struggling a bit and masking that pretty well. It came to a head last night and he was brave enough to call (team doctor) Sharron (Flahive) and have a chat with her and then (manager) Chris Webb and myself, to get an understanding of where he is at.
« The concern is all around his welfare and it was an easy decision to let him go home and he’ll have plenty of support around him.
« He has been able to suppress things over the last couple of weeks, and we certainly weren’t aware of anything.
« He is such a professional, he was able to get on and do the job. He addressed the team today, which took an enormous amount of courage, and let them know he’s not okay, and he thought it was best for himself and best for the team that he heads home…
« It’s not uncommon in life is it? It’s a cross-section of society and often men will say bugger all and suffer in silence.
« So as I said before, it took a lot of courage to address the group. He has a huge amount of respect from everyone and we want to get him home and get him as much support as we can. »
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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