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QBE Internationals: Australia rugby team pay tribute to Phillip Hughes

Phillip Hughes of Australia looks on
Image: Australia's rugby players will pay tribute to Phillip Hughes before Twickenham date

Australia's rugby team will wear black armbands against England at Twickenham on Saturday as a mark of respect following the tragic death of cricketer Phillip Hughes.

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Captain Michael Hooper said the Wallabies will be "thinking of Phil and his family" as they take to the field for the Twickenham autumn Test.

Australia batsman Hughes died on Thursday, two days after being struck on the head by a bouncer in action for South Australia against New South Wales.

Wallabies skipper Hooper admitted coach Michael Cheika's squad have been in a "sombre mood" since learning of the 25-year-old's death.

"There has been a bit of talk about wearing black armbands, and of course if we're allowed to do that we will," said Hooper.

"We've got enough motivation this weekend, but when we're wearing the black armbands, we'll be thinking of him and his family.

"It's the kind of news you never want to wake up to.

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"All of us this morning checking our phones: for us as a team it's a pretty sombre mood.

"We play in a sport luckily where we don't see these things happen.

We've got enough motivation this weekend, but when we're wearing the black armbands, we'll be thinking of him and his family.
Michael Hooper

"We love our cricket; we have good feelings towards the cricketers. Our thoughts and feelings are with his family and the team back home."

Australia's rugby and cricket teams have mixed socially owing to the friendship between former Wallabies boss Ewen McKenzie and Darren Lehmann, the cricket side's coach.

Hooper said while none of the Wallabies had strong friendships with Hughes, the whole squad wanted to mark their condolences with a public gesture this weekend.

"We had a dinner with the cricket lads when they were getting together to do promotions for their season," said Hooper.

"It was really relaxed, and a good atmosphere, it was a good fun evening.

"It was nice to meet guys in a similar situation to us. It's more just a reminder of how lucky we are as a team to play for your country and play sport.

"It's a great thing we do here playing rugby, and I'm sure the cricketers are feeling the same.

"I've seen the Australian public really extending their well-wishes.

"Australia loves its sport and that shows positively what our nation's about.

"You put any risks to the back of your mind: you do play because of that risk element to some extent, to push yourself and challenge yourself.

"So to a certain extent that's why we're here and that's what drives us."

Watch live coverage of England's QBE International clash with Australia live on Sky Sports 2 on Saturday from 1:30pm.

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