Michael Hooper has stood down as Waratahs captain for the 2020 Super Rugby season with fellow Wallaby Rob Simmons stepping up as skipper.

Hooper is the incumbent Wallabies captain although new Test coach Dave Rennie is yet to make a call on who will lead under his watch.

Rennie is visiting NSW at their Daceyville base on Wednesday — as new Waratahs coach Rob Penney announced the change of skipper and also named Kurtley Beale as Simmons’ deputy.

Hooper said he would make himself available to continue as Wallabies skipper but the demands of juggling both roles had become too much.

The Waratahs play their final trial game against the Reds in Dalby on Thursday before kicking off the season away to the champion Crusaders in Nelson on February 1.

Hooper, 28, has captained NSW on a full-time basis since 2017.

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New Waratahs captain Rob Simmons poses for a photo in Sydney. Source: AAP

“The decision has been a long one and this has been something on my mind in this environment a good 18 months, so it hasn’t been something on a whim,” Hooper said.

“Doing both roles for some time it would be remiss of me to say it doesn’t have a taxing affect.

“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.”

Rennie was due to meet with Hooper on Wednesday and the star openside made it clear he was keen to continue as Test captain.

“That’s a fair way away, but my thoughts around that have not changed,” Hooper said.

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

“Those are conversations that Dave and myself will be having I’m sure in the future.”

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Simmons is a 30-year-old former Reds stalwart and Penney said the lock was an obvious choice as Hooper’s replacement.

“We’ve had a number of conversations about this and we feel that this is in the best interest of the entire squad,” Penney said.

“Rob has shown himself to be an incredible leader in my short time here at the Waratahs, his presence around the group and his experience at provincial and international level will be an invaluable resource for our younger boys.

“We’ve got an exceptional group of leaders within our squad, and while Rob’s appointment is a wonderful recognition of his qualities, it’s also not his responsibility to lead alone which is something we’ve talked about with our senior players.

“Michael and the wider leadership group will have a pivotal role to play in supporting both he and Kurtley in their roles as captain and vice-captain.”

Waratahs lock Rob Simmons receives a yellow card from referee Angus Gardner. Source: AFP

Simmons has played 145 Super Rugby games and is a Wallabies centurion.

“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,” Simmons said.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family, to be named captain of an organisation that has such a profound place in Australian rugby history is really special.

“The significance of being selected by my teammates as their leader in 2020 is certainly not lost on me and it’s been an extremely humbling experience as we approach the new season.

“I’ve always prided myself on having a team first mentality and that won’t change.

“Michael has built a wonderful platform and the support and experience he’ll provide along with the leadership group will be important in ensuring we meet the vision our squad has set for the season ahead.

“The ‘c’ may be next to my name but we’ve got a strong collection of senior players that are all responsible for driving standards within the group and educating the next generation of Waratahs on what it means to represent our state at the highest level.”

Kurtley Beale of the Waratahs shares a joke with his teammates as he runs water. Source: Getty Images

Beale — who sits third on the state’s all-time appearance list — also expressed his gratitude.

“It’s something that I’m really proud to be doing this season,” Beale said.

“I’ve played a lot of footy with Rob and I know the sort of person he is off the field and the influence he can have on the group as a whole, to play a part in supporting that is exciting for me.

“We’ve got some quality young backs in the squad and their energy and enthusiasm is great for the environment.

“It’s enjoyable sharing my experience with them and seeing them develop and grow.”