Gold Coaster Rob Simmons replaces Michael Hooper as Waratahs captain

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has stood down as skipper of the NSW Waratahs, with Gold Coaster and Test lock Rob Simmons taking over the job.

25/7/11 The Wallabies train at The Southport School on the Gold Coast. TSS old boy Rob Simmons. Pics Adam Head

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has stood down as skipper of the NSW Waratahs, with Gold Coaster and Test lock Rob Simmons taking over the job.

TSS students (l to r) Luke Evans, Robert Simmons and Luke Morahan.

Simmons, who starred in The Southport School’s First XV in 2005 and 2006, signed with the Waratahs in 2018 after a 10-year career with the Queensland Reds.

Openside flanker Hooper, who has been full-time captain of the Tahs for the past four seasons, still intends on making himself available to be Wallabies skipper.

“The decision has been a long one and this has been something on my mind in this environment a good 18 months, so it hasn’t been something on a whim,” Hooper said.

Utility back Kurtley Beale will support Simmons as the Tahs’ new vice-captain.

At the Brumbies, 2017 TSS graduate Noah Lolesio has earned the first chance to lock down the team’s No.10 jersey in a trail against the Melbourne Rebels.

Fellow TSS products James Slipper and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa will also feature for the Brumbies.

JULY 29, 2006: Sport. Brisbane State High School versus The Southport School. BSHS #3 Mosa Afu and TSS # 5 Robert Simmons. Pic Fiona Harding