AUSTRALIAN second-row Dean Mumm was told that he would lead the team in the Pool D match against Uruguay today —just before he jumped in a car to head to London because his wife had gone into labour.

Mumm, 31, only recently returned to the Australian set-up after the relaxation of the rules in Australia for players who have been playing overseas. Mumm had been captain of the Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership but chose to return to Australia at the end of the club season to play Super Rugby and reclaim a position in Australia’s second row.

With Stephen Moore moving to the reserves bench for the match against Uruguay, Mumm — who will be playing his 39th test — becomes the 84th player to captain the Wallabies.

Australia coach Michael Cheika said Mumm’s overseas experience had given him the sort of background he wants in his leaders and said the man they call “Mummy” was happy to accept the appointment.

“He’s going to start learning about the “benefits” of no sleep, isn’t he, because he will be playing off the back of no sleep. But I’m sure he’s got a lot of good feelings at the moment and I’m sure that good feeling will flow through for the rest of his life,” Cheika said.

“In the short term, also, I’m sure it will be very good for him.”

After Cheika told the player of his appointment, Mumm received a call that his wife, Sarah, had gone into labour with their second child and he rushed to London to be at the birth of his son.

Despite the obvious distractions, suggestions from the Wallabies camp are that new captain “Mummy” will be even happier being a daddy.