Mere months ago, the thought that Dean Mumm would be playing at the World Cup was fanciful.
The man himself was in his third year of playing rugby at Exeter in the UK and had bought himself tickets to AUstralia’s World Cup matches against England and Wales.
He’d carved out a successful latter period to his rugby career in Exeter, named their captain and
Now, Mumm is preparing to become the 84th Wallabies captain, leading the team out against Uruguay.
The Waratahs lock has been pinching himself since he answered an SOS call while playing at Exeter to return to Super Rugby for NSW.
Mumm re-joined the Waratahs midway through the season, never really believing he would be in the World Cup mix.
He had previously missed out on World Cup squad, failing to make the cut in 2011 and heading into the England tournament, Mumm said he would take advantage of every opportunity he has.
"Knowing I’m here now and have an opportunity to play, it’s completely different but from that end you don't take it for granted.
“It's a special honour to represent your country."
On being handed the captaincy for Australia’s second World Cup match, Mumm said he was incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s an incredible honour to lead this group of players,” he said..
“Stephen Moore, Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper have done an outstanding job as a leadership team this season and I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to what they’ve created and lead the team on Sunday.”
Mumm is an old hat at captaincy.
AS well as captaining Exeter, Mumm led out the Australian Schoolboys in 2002 and his own school first XV.
The appointment is a big nod to the impact he has had in a short time in the squad, having been out of the Wallabies fold for four years.
