In a surprising turn of events, Michael Hooper, the former Wallabies captain, has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious rugby career by joining the Australian men’s sevens squad for the revamped SVNS series, eyeing a coveted spot in the upcoming Olympics.
The decision to exclude Hooper from the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squad years ago, accompanied by Eddie Jones’ cryptic remark that he “wasn’t a great role model,” marked a turning point in Hooper’s 15s career. Despite the controversy, Hooper’s resilience and exceptional performances have left an indelible mark on the rugby landscape.
As the 32-year-old prepares to make his debut in sevens gold at the Perth SVNS on Australia Day (January 26), his new teammates have already experienced the impact of his presence. Tim Clements, an Aussie sevens ace, highlighted Hooper’s influence, stating, “In the 15s game, he’s a role model. He’ll be really, really important for us and will only be adding to that competition that we’ve already built in the squad and making the squad better.”
Although Hooper will miss the opening SVNS rounds in Dubai and Cape Town, his arrival is eagerly anticipated. The seasoned player has a limited window of six SVNS events to secure his place on the plane to the Paris Olympics next year.
Matt Gonzalez, the sevens squad’s halfback, emphasized Hooper’s immediate impact during training. “Having him here lifts everyone’s competitiveness. He’s a real competitor. He’s going to be a real pest, even at training, so we’re going to have to be on our game,” Gonzalez remarked.
The intensity and accountability Hooper brings to training sessions have already sparked enthusiasm among his new teammates. His commitment to the sevens program signifies not just a new challenge for him but also a valuable addition to the squad’s dynamic.
Australian rugby fans can witness Michael Hooper’s sevens journey live and on-demand on Stan Sport during the upcoming SVNS season. As ‘Hoops’ navigates this exciting chapter, rugby enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the impact of this seasoned role model on the sevens arena.