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Hooper returns for Wallabies' European tour, but not as captain

Veteran flanker Michael Hooper was included in Australia's squad Sunday for their five-Test tour of Britain and Europe after pulling out of the Rugby Championship with "mindset" issues, but James Slipper will captain the team.

The 30-year-old's return is a massive boost for Dave Rennie's side as they prepare to face Scotland, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales on consecutive Saturdays from 29 October.

Hooper, the Wallabies' most capped skipper, withdrew on the eve of Australia's Test against Argentina at Mendoza in August, saying he was not in the "right mindset" to lead his country.

He missed all six matches in the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship.

"To have Michael back in the group is massive for our team on and off the field and we'll continue to make sure that he has the support around him he needs," said Rennie.

Last week, long-time teammate Bernard Foley said Hooper was in a good place and excited about the tour ahead.

"We've had some brief chats recently," he told reporters. "I think he's in a place where he's excited, which is when he's at his best.

"I think he's still working on it. It's going to be ongoing. Just what he went through and to see him wanting to come back is really exciting."

The 121-Test star's decision to step away was widely applauded across the game and in his absence, James Slipper captained the side, with Hooper's fellow Test centurion retaining the armband.

Whether Hooper can slot back in at number seven remains unclear with Pete Samu and Fraser McReight both performing well in the position in his absence.

Rennie named five uncapped players in the 36-man group with Sam Talakai, Ben Donaldson and Mark Nawaqanitawase in their first Wallabies squad.

Marika Koroibete and several other key players were

Wallabies Rugby as

Dave Rennie Fraser Macreight Michael Hooper Marika Koroibete Mark Nawaqanitawase James Slipper Bernard Foley

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