SYDNEY Jan 31 (Reuters) – Wallabies’ flanker Rocky Elsom
was appointed captain of Super Rugby side New South Wales
Waratahs on Tuesday but quickly made it clear that he did not
view easy relations with the media as a priority in the job.
The 28-year-old had a famously cold relationship with the
local media as captain of Australia and reports suggested that
it had contributed to his being replaced by James Horwill on the
eve of the Wallabies’ departure for the World Cup last year.
Returning to Sydney after two years with the ACT Brumbies in
Canberra, Elsom was as uncompromising as ever at his unveiling
when asked by a Fox Sports TV reporter about being dropped as
Wallabies skipper.
“How are they connected, sorry?” he asked in his familiar
whisper, the furrow on his brow deepening.
“I think that this is a totally different gig,” added the
71-cap Wallaby.
“Last year might not have gone the way I necessarily had
planned it but I think it worked okay for us and Kev (Horwill)
did a good job for us so I’m not too upset about that.”
Waratahs coach Michael Foley said the playing staff had
been consulted over who should replace former Wallabies flanker
Phil Waugh as captain.
“The experience that they’ve had with him as captain of the
national team stood him in good stead,” Foley said.
Continued…
