Michael Hooper admits it’s been a testing time to be Wallabies captain but it hasn’t turned him off the prospect of retaining the role long-term.

The Kurtley Beale text messaging saga has presented 23-year-old Hooper with a steep and sudden learning curve since being thrust into the role of national captain five months ago.

The NSW Waratahs captain came under fire from sections of the public – and reportedly the Australian Rugby Union – over his handling of the issue after speaking out in support of Beale.

But Hooper is adamant the side has come through the ordeal a stronger unit.

“We had to band together as a group and we did that,” Hooper said ahead of Saturday’s clash with Wales in Cardiff.

“It was a trying time but a learning curve and a learning situation for me and something I’ll look back on for years to come.”

The young skipper took the captaincy under former coach Ewen McKenzie in June following a season-ending injury to Stephen Moore.

Hooper also took on the Waratahs captaincy in similar circumstances, replacing the injured Dave Dennis, and he’s effectively had to learn about leadership on the run.

It remains to be seen whether he will keep the role when former skippers David Pocock and Moore return from injury next year, but Hooper insist’s he’s enjoying the challenge.

“It’s great. It’s enjoyable to have an impact on the team and an influence around the outside of it,” Hooper said.

“It’s something I’m enjoying and something I’m still learning at.

“I’ve been put into it unexpected at times, so it’s great having (coach Michael) Cheika here.

“He’s been a great mentor for me over the past year or so and I’m looking forward to growing relationships with not only the staff but the players inside the group.”

Asked whether he felt he may keep the captaincy for next year’s World Cup, Hooper said it was too far down the track to think about.

“Next year will come around and hopefully everybody’s fit and it’ll be best man for the job,” he said.

Meanwhile Hooper refuted suggestions the match against Wales provided a chance for the Wallabies to win back the Australian public following the recent off-field turmoil.

“I think they (on-field and off field issues) are two separate things,” Hooper said.