THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24 2020 SPORT 41 McLennan bullish on a sponsor Hooper JAMIE PANDARAM

DEFIANT rugby boss Ham- ish McLennan has declared the loss of the $5m sponsor- remains ship deal with Qantas will not sink the financially stricken code. Some took news of the airline’s withdrawal from the Wallabies after 30 years as the final nail in the coffin for a our lead game that has no broadcast deal beyond this year, no certainty of a competition structure, and major concerns around future viability. But McLennan, who has al- Wallaby ready fielded calls from com- panies interested in sponsoring the Wallabies once Qantas JAMIE PANDARAM be the Wallabies captain and I walks away at the end of the want to thank Dave, the Wal- year, remains bullish that he MICHAEL Hooper has re- labies management team as can make the code competitive tained the Wallabies captaincy well as for once more. in what new coach Dave their support and endorse- “This doesn’t change our Rennie described as “a ment,” Hooper said. “It’s a plan because we will replace straightforward decision”. privilege to wear the Wallabies Qantas, so the plan we’re exe- Rennie had failed to guar- jersey, I feel proud to lead my cuting remains intact,” antee Hooper the captaincy teammates and to represent McLennan said. when he took over from Mi- those players that have gone “It’s another challenge that chael Cheika last November, before and all Australians. will add to the list, but we will and has kept fans guessing “I’m really excited about absolutely get through this. until today, when the Walla- this group and the direction we “Qantas have been a great bies made the official an- are heading. We have already partner, like us they’re going nouncement from their spent some quality time to- through difficult times. Hunter Valley camp. gether, defining who we are “The Wallabies sponsorship But many expected Hooper and what we stand for and is one of the most prestigious to keep the job, given how few what we plan to achieve in the in Australian sport, and I’ve guaranteed starters there are coming months.” had almost immediate in- in the young squad, and his Rennie added: “I’ve been re- bound inquiry about replacing natural leadership talent. ally impressed with Hoops. Qantas, from major blue chip While Hooper has signed a We’ve spoken a lot over the Australian companies. deal to play in the Japan Top past nine months and it’s high- “For any company that is League next year, he will only lighted his passion and com- interested in premium sport, miss the Super Rugby season mitment. He’s a good man with this is a once-in-a-lifetime and still be available for all an outstanding work ethic and opportunity.” Wallabies games. he’s a great role model for our McLennan said that the Hooper will play his 100th young men coming through. loss of the Qantas sponsorship Test if he is named against the The Wallabies are set to de- would not result in further job All Blacks in the first part for New Zealand to- losses at the besieged match on Octo- morrow before two weeks organisation. ber 11 in Wellington, and the quarantine in Christchurch Asked if he expects to land 28-year-old has captained They face the All Blacks in another deal equal to the $5m Australia 46 times, only be- two Tests – on October 11 in lost, McLennan replied: “Yes, hind George Gregan (59) and Wellington and then Eden it’s high profile and very valu- (55). Park in on Sunday, able.” Michael Hooper will remain the Wallabies captain. Picture: GETTY “It’s an absolute honour to October 18.

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