Waratahs appoint Jake Gordon as skipper

The departure of Rob Simmons and the prolonged absence of Michael Hooper have forced the Waratahs to look for a new leader.

Jake Gordon in action against Western Force in Super Rugby Picture: Getty Images

Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon has been named the new captain of the NSW Waratahs, taking over from Test lock Rob Simmons.

With Simmons, the Tahs skipper in 2020, heading off to London Irish and Wallabies captain Michael Hooper set to miss the majority of the Super Rugby season while he takes a sabbatical in Japan, Waratahs coach Rob Penney could possibly have struck out in a number of directions in finding a replacement team leader.

But it comes as no surprise that he has settled on 27-year-old Gordon for the role. After 55 games for the Tahs and five Tests for Australia, the former Canterbury junior and Sydney University product always loomed as the top choice for the role. He is a product of the Waratahs pathway – in contrast to Simmons who came up through the Queensland system and from a very early age was always taught to view NSW as the enemy – and he has shown in recent years the cool head of a natural leader.

“It’s a great privilege to not just represent New South Wales, but also be captain,” Gordon said on Thursday. “You look at the past captains of this team, especially the recent ones, Rob Simmons who played 100 tests for his country and Michael Hooper also the captain of the Wallabies,” said Gordon.

“Growing up I thought to play a game for the Waratahs was a big achievement, and to be able to captain this great state is something I’m very proud of.

“I’m really excited about the new faces in the squad, and also some of the guys who got some experience last year, especially internationals like Will Harrison, James Ramm and Lachie Swinton.

“We’ve also got a couple of graduates from the 2019 U20 World Cup coming through, and guys like Angus Bell and Lachy Swinton who got caps and experience at the Wallaby level last year,” he said.

Penney said he had great faith in Gordon’s leadership.

“Jake is a true blue Tah,” he said. “He is a great bloke and a wonderful player who will give everything he has for the team.

“Jake being named captain was an obvious choice for us as he exemplifies the traits we are looking for in a leader.

“He is a fierce competitor as well as having a really great connection with people. As he steps into this new leadership role (he) has already shown a real desire to be a collaborative leader who is keen to grow into the role.

“Our leadership team has been working well together and have given Jake a massive vote of confidence with their unanimous support. Jake has all the qualities and support to be able to lead the side both on and off the field with distinction,” he said.

The Tahs, like all Super Rugby sides, have been restricted to just one pre-season trial before the season proper gets underway. They will meet the Queensland Reds in Narrabri on February 5, ahead of the opening fixture of the Super Rugby season against the same opponent at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on February 19.

The first opportunity for New South Wales fans to see Gordon lead the Tahs will be against the Western Force at Bankwest Stadium on March 5.