Moore named Wallabies skipper ahead of Rugby World Cup

Stephen Moore will skipper the Wallabies in this year's international season leading up to the September-October World Cup, replacing Michael Hooper, the Australian Rugby Union said on Monday.

Moore, Australia's all-time most capped hooker with 92 Tests, has been reinstated as Wallabies captain following a season-ending injury in his first outing in charge last year.

"Stephen is not only a player who leads by example on the field, but he is a man who exemplifies the qualities of a Wallabies captain," Australia coach Michael Cheika said in a statement.

"It is a testament to his character that he has been able to overcome a setback and put himself in a position to lead his country again.

"He has a tremendous amount of respect not only from within this playing group, but across the board in our organisation and universally within the game."

Moore will be supported in the role by Hooper and Test centurion Adam Ashley-Cooper, both named as vice-captains.

“Having spoken to the two vice-captains prior to Stephen, both of them couldn’t have made a higher endorsement of Stephen to lead them personally, this playing group and our country," Cheika said.

Now in his 11th season of international rugby, Moore is the current ACT Brumbies skipper and became Australia's 81st Test captain when he led the team out in the opening Test against France in June last year before injury struck.

"It's an honour every time you get to wear the Wallabies jumper, and to be captain is extra special, but ultimately it's what you do with it that is most important," Moore said.

"It was extremely humbling to have the opportunity last year but it went very quickly, so to be given another chance to represent this group that has so many leaders is a privilege and something I hold dearly.

"I'm really excited about what we can achieve in the next four months."

The Wallabies begin their international season against South Africa in the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on July 18 ahead of the World Cup in England.
Source: AFP