Wednesday, 22 January 2020:

ROB SIMMONS.

Michael Hooper says it was a tough decision to relinquish the Waratahs captaincy, and has indicated he still wants to lead the Wallabies under new coach Dave Rennie.

Veteran Test lock Rob Simmons will lead the Waratahs in their quest for a second Super Rugby title, replacing openside flanker Hooper who had the role of the last four seasons.

Utility back Kurtley Beale is the Tahs new vice-captain, replacing Bernard Foley, who is playing in Japan.

Hooper said he had been thinking about his decision for around 18 months and had question marks about continuing to captain the Waratahs as well as the Wallabies.

"Doing both roles for some time, it would be remiss of me to say it doesn't have a taxing affect," Hooper said.

"There's much more than just running out on the park, leading the team out on the weekend.

"There's performances of teams that weigh into it, there's the media ... all my friends.

"Having to speak every week is tough and trying to get the message right and represent the team as best as possible.

"A big part of it is I've got another four years here and I want to make that four years really special and take my personal game and leadership to another level."

Asked about the Wallabies captaincy Hooper, who trained with Rennie in attendance on Wednesday, declared: "My thoughts around that have not changed.

"I still think I've got a lot of growing in myself, my game play and my captaincy.

"Those are conversations that (Rennie) and myself will be having in the future."

Queenslander Simmons, who is in his third season with NSW after captaining the Reds during his time there, gave the captaincy careful consideration before accepting.

"I asked for some time to think about it and consulted the people I wanted to consult, in particular my family, and came to the decision that I would like to do the job," he said.

Hooper said Simmons possessed a cool head which would allow him to make solid on-field decisions.

"Everyone knows he runs an outstanding lineout, but he's also a deep thinker around how he can allow other people to bring their best attributes forward," he said.

New Waratahs coach Rob Penney said he had consulted widely before deciding Simmons was the player to lead the team, together with his deputy Beale.

"It's obviously a proud moment, a huge responsibility and one that I'm looking forward to taking on," Beale said.

AAP