Blockbusting Queensland centre Daniel Herbert has been named Wallaby vice-captain for the upcoming European tour.

Herbert takes over the role from the Brumbies' George Gregan, who is unavailable to tour due to injury. With David Wilson, Tim Little and Jason Little recently retired from international rugby, and flyhalf Steve Larkham also out injured, the experience of Herbert will be crucial for the new-look Wallabies during the tour.

Since making his Test debut against Ireland in 1994, the 26-year-old Herbert has developed the reputation as one of the biggest tacklers and strongest runners in world rugby during his 45 Tests to date. He has scored seven tries.

"This truly is a great privilege and a role which I am looking forward to getting into," Herbert said. "This team has lost a lot of senior players to injury and retirement recently and I am thrilled to be able to take on more responsibility."

Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen said the decision to appoint Herbert was not a difficult one.

"The Australian selectors were delighted to announce Daniel's appointment as the Wallaby vice-captain," Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen said. "Daniel has terrific experience and has earned a great deal of respect from everyone involved with the team, making him an obvious choice."

The Wallabies will gather at their training base in Coffs Harbour next Monday before embarking on the tour nine days later. In Coffs Harbour, Macqueen will finalise the untried backline that will see a new halfback, flyhalf and inside-centre run out in the tour's opening game against a Japanese Presidents XV, in Tokyo, on October 28.

However, don't expect fullback Chris Latham to be throwing on the flyhalf jersey with Macqueen suggesting there was no time to experiment.