Scrumhalf George Gregan was confirmed as the new Australian captain on Monday when coach Eddie Jones announced a squad to tour Canada and Europe in November.
The 28-year-old, caped 68 times, replaces John Eales who retired after last week's win over New Zealand which clinched the Tri-Nations for the second successive year. Eales had been the Wallabies' captain since 1996.
Gregan, first capped against Italy in 1994, took over the captaincy at the ACT Brumbies, then coached by Jones, this season and led them to the Super 12 title.
He made his name in Wallaby rugby with a try-and-match-saving tackle on All Black Jeff Wilson in 1994. He had been Wallaby vice-captain for four years.
"The captain has to be a player who is considered a virtual automatic selection and George certainly is that," said Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill.
"George showed tremendous leadership in guiding the Brumbies to their breakthrough Super 12 triumph this year and his unwavering support for John Eales was crucial during probably the toughest domestic Test series we've ever seen," he added.
"Being Wallaby captain is truly a great honour," said Gregan. "It's a job that comes with enormous responsibility but like the smooth transition of coaches this year, I believe the team will also carry on without much disruption."
Jones successfully defended the Tri-Nations title when he took over from Rod Macqueen as coach in July.
The vice captaincy will not be finalised until the squad assembles in October.