Michael Hooper will captain the Waratahs in 2016 Vodacom Super Rugby.

The 24-year-old first took the reins for the Waratahs in 2014 when Dave Dennis succumbed to injury, leading the side to their inaugural Super Rugby title.

Hooper also became one of the youngest players ever to captain the Wallabies at the age of 22 during the three-Test series against France in June 2014.

'I’m a New South Wales boy through and through. Growing up in New South Wales and getting the opportunity to lead New South Wales is a huge privilege, especially after taking over from Dave Dennis who has been a big influence on my career,' Hooper said. 'Dave and I have a great relationship and the team is culturally really strong so changes that have already taken place this year have been taken really well by the group. This will be no different.'

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