Why Eddie Jones thinks the Wallabies need 'a number of captains'

Coach Eddie Jones has named his first Wallabies squad ahead of a training camp on the Gold Coast this month, but there’s one big question that remains unanswered.

The star-studded squad boasts plenty of talent, but who will lead the team at this year’s World Cup?

This year’s Rugby World Cup in France is only five months away, and Jones is yet to officially appoint his skipper.

Flanker Michael Hooper stepped down as the Wallabies’ captain due to mental health reasons last year, but has said he’s “open” to returning to the role if called upon.

In his place, Super Rugby veteran James Slipper stepped up and led the team on the Wallabies’ end-of-season tour.

Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa also played with the ‘c’ next to his name last year, as the prop became the 85^th captain of the Wallabies when the men in gold played Italy – an historic defeat for the Australians.

With plenty of talented leaders to choose from, a big decision looms for coach Jones and the rest of the Wallabies staff.

But earlier this week, Jones suggested the Wallabies may “need to have a number of captains” heading into the Rugby Championship and World Cup.

“I reckon we’ll need probably seven captains with HIA, so you can all write down your seven choices on a slip and send them through to me,” Jones joked.

“But I think we’re going to need to have a number of captains, in all seriousness. The way the game is at the moment, I think we’re going to need to have a number of captains.

“I’m just working out… what will best suit the team, firstly for the Rugby Championship and then obviously as an entrée into the World Cup.”

Jones named six uncapped players in his first Wallabies squad, including rising stars Josh Flook, Max Jorgensen and Carter Gordon.

Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio were among the big-name omissions from the squad, with both players having been touted as future stars of Australian rugby.

“This is a new squad, with new standards and new expectations for a new challenge,” Jones said.

“I hope the players who have this first chance understand the privilege, have their tyres pumped up and they’re ready to go.”

The Wallabies will kick-off their new era under coach Jones in a blockbuster Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.

As for the Rugby World Cup, the men in gold begin their tournament with a match against Georgia early on September 10 AEDT.