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Mumm delighted to get second chance with Wallabies
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Dean Mumm gave up on playing for Australia again when he left for England three years ago but his second coming begins on Sunday when he captains the Wallabies against a largely amateur Uruguay.
The 31-year-old -- who has had a remarkable week named skipper against Uruguay and becoming a dad for a second time on Friday -- moved to the Exeter Chiefs in 2012 but returned to Australia this year and now finds himself in the thick of the World Cup.
Mumm, known affectionately as 'Mummy', said he could barely believe his good fortune.
"When I came overseas I became unavailable to be selected for the Wallabies and I never thought I would play for the Wallabies again to be honest," said Mumm.
"Let alone have the opportunity to play a couple of tests or a World Cup.
"Then to have the honour to captain the team is something I never truly imagined.
"It increases the appreciation because it stops any sense of taking playing for the Wallabies for granted - not that anyone does.
"Everyone appreciates the opportunity to represent Australia and its people and to wear the Wallabies jersey."
The New Zealand-born Mumm, who made his test debut in 2008, said that it had been a case of absence making the heart fonder as he watched from afar how the Wallabies fared.
"To lose that opportunity and to see the team do well in your absence it certainly increases your feelings for playing for the Wallabies and representing your country and I will never take that for granted," said Mumm.
"It's a tremendous honour to be captain of any side but to captain your nation at a World Cup is a particularly special one and one that I never anticipated that I would ever get the opportunity to do.
"I feel very fortumate to have this honour and I'm looking forward to the game and trying to make the most of leading a great bunch of boys."
Another New Zealand-born Wallaby, Will Skelton, who will form the engine room second row partnership with the skipper on Sunday, admitted that he had wanted to battle to earn the right to don the historic black shirt but was pleased he had given up.
"It wasn't always the Wallabies, I was batting for New Zealand for a bit there," said Skelton.
"But then I came over to the right side and now I'm batting for the boys."
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