Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has appointed Stephen Moore to lead Australia during this year’s Rugby Championships and Rugby World Cup.

The 92 Test veteran captained Australia for the first time last year against France, but suffered a season ending injury in that match.

“It was extremely humbling to have the opportunity last year but it went very quickly, so to be given another chance to represent this group that has so many leaders is a privilege, and something I hold dearly,” Moore said. 

“It’s an honour every time you get to wear the Wallabies jumper, and to be captain is extra special, but ultimately it’s what you do with it that is most important.”

Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley Cooper have been named as the team’s vice captains and have reportedly thrown their support behind the hooker. However Michael Cheika says all three leaders have an important role to play this year.

“Leadership is going to be a massive part of this journey, and both Adam and Michael will have a big part to play in supporting Stephen,” Cheika said.

“Having spoken to the two vice-captains prior to Stephen, both of them couldn’t have made a higher endorsement of Stephen to the lead them personally, this playing group and our country.”

Whilst Cheika admitted the decision wasn’t easy, he said he was confident Moore was the right man for the job.

“Stephen is not only a player who leads by example on the field, but he is a man who exemplifies the qualities of a Wallabies captain and it is a testament to his character that he has been able to overcome a setback and put himself in a position to lead his country again.”

“He has a tremendous amount of respect not only from within this playing group, but across the board in our organisation and universally within the game.”

The Wallabies extended training squad began a five day camp on the Sunshine Coast today ahead of the opening match of the Rugby Championships, against the Springboks on July 18.