Here are your rugby morning headlines for Saturday, 6 August. Australia captain Michael Hooper has withdrawn from today's Rugby Championship opener against Argentina and will be returning to Australia due to personal reasons.
Rugby Australia announced on Friday night that the openside flanker, who has won 121 caps for his country, believes he's not in the mindset to fulfill the responsibility that goes with leading and representing his country at this point in time.
Their statement added that he had addressed his team-mates before leaving Mendoza to return home. Speaking about his decision, Hooper said: “While this decision did not come easily I know it is the right one for me and the team at this point in time.
My whole career I’ve looked to put the team first and I don’t feel I am able to fulfill my responsibilities at the moment in my current mindset.” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “Michael’s one of the most professional and impressive men I’ve coached I know this has been a difficult decision for him.