Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has decided to switch codes and pursue a sevens career with an eye on the 2024 Paris Olympics. The veteran flanker, who has 125 Test caps for Australia, will join the Australian sevens program under coach John Manenti after playing his final game for the Waratahs in the coming weeks.
Hooper’s rugby journey
Hooper made his debut for the Wallabies in 2012 and became the captain in 2014. He led Australia to the final of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where they lost to New Zealand. He also played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, where Australia was knocked out by England in the quarter-finals.
Hooper has been a consistent performer for the Wallabies, winning the John Eales Medal four times as the best Australian player of the year. He is also the second-most capped Wallabies captain, behind George Gregan.
Hooper played for the Brumbies and the Waratahs in Super Rugby, winning the title with the latter in 2014. He also had a stint in Japan with Toyota Verblitz in 2020-21.
Hooper’s sevens ambition
Hooper has always been interested in sevens, having played in the junior ranks and represented Australia at the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore. He was also part of the Australian squad that won the inaugural Sydney Sevens in 2016.
Hooper has now decided to focus on sevens for the next year, with the aim of representing Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He will re-sign with Rugby Australia for a further year and will play on the World Sevens Series circuit, including the new Perth Sevens in January, which has replaced the Sydney event.
Hooper will join a talented Australian sevens squad that includes former Wallabies Samu Kerevi, Nick Malouf and Lewis Holland. Australia finished fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics and sixth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in sevens.
Hooper will face stiff competition from other Test players who are also eyeing the Paris Olympics, such as French star Antoine Dupont, South African speedster Cheslin Kolbe and Fijian flyer Semi Radradra.
Hooper’s legacy
Hooper will leave a lasting legacy in Australian rugby, having been one of the most influential and respected players of his generation. He is widely regarded as one of the best flankers in the world, with his work rate, leadership and skills.
Hooper has also been a role model off the field, being involved in various charitable and social causes. He is an ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which supports seriously ill children and their families. He is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and environmental sustainability.
Hooper will be missed by the Wallabies and the Waratahs, but he will also be cheered by the Australian rugby fans as he embarks on a new challenge in sevens. He will hope to add an Olympic gold medal to his impressive list of achievements and make his country proud in Paris.
