Haven't spoken about it': Rennie leaves Wallaby top job up for grabs

By goo9ja

June 22, 2020 — 2.11pm

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie remains tight-lipped on who he wants as Australian captain, saying that incumbent leader Michael Hooper is a “strong contender” but stopping short of guaranteeing he will remain in the top job.

While it is likely the Wallabies won’t play a Test match until October due to COVID-19, there is plenty of interest into what life under Rennie will look like following Australia’s dismal quarter-final exit at last year’s World Cup.

Michael Hooper at last year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Photo: Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley

Hooper, with 99 Tests to his name, is only 28 and could easily feature at another World Cup but it remains to be seen whether Rennie will stick with the back-rower or move in a different direction.

With 19 victories from 46 Tests in charge, it is unclear whether Hooper wants to continue as Wallabies leader. Although it is more likely than not, eyebrows were raised he has held full-time since 2016.

Rennie, who arrives in Australia next month, has been in close contact with Australian rugby’s highest-paid player.