Elsom and vice-captain Berrick Barnes of the Waratahs were unveiled as the team's new leaders when Deans named his 35-strong squad for the Wallabies' European spring tour.

It was the second time in nine months Mortlock had been stripped of his captaincy duties after Stephen Hoiles took over the Brumbies' reins in January.

Fellow Brumbies George Smith and Matt Giteau were overlooked as Mortlock's successor for the Wallabies' captaincy duties.

Smith captained the Wallabies in Mortlock's recent injury absence, but Deans felt the role never sat well with his star No7.

Deans then sounded out Elsom about the captaincy three weeks ago, and said the decision to overlook Mortlock who had the role since 2006 was due to several reasons.

The coach prefers his skipper to be in the forward pack where he can communicate with the referee effectively.

But he was adamant Mortlock would remain an integral part of the Wallabies' future plans, and said the 32-year-old was not surprised by the move.

''He [Mortlock] had anticipated it and he suggested that he was going to ask that [captaincy] question of me anyway, even if I hadn't have raised it,'' Deans said.

''Stirling and I have had a number of conversations over the last few weeks and, at this point, the dialogue has been really encouraging.

''I believe he can go the distance [to the World Cup].''

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