Prominent Wallaby and sevens player Michael Hooper has declared his retirement from Australian Rugby. Hooper disclosed his retirement decision on Sunday, marking an end to his outstanding career that lasted more than ten years.
The 32-year-old transitioned to Sevens after an esteemed career with the Wallabies, hoping to compete in the Olympics. However, Hooper has now confirmed the end of his Olympic journey.
Hooper conveyed his feelings via a social media post: “My Olympic journey has come to an end, as has my Australian Rugby career,” Hooper wrote, expressing his gratitude to all those who supported him during his journey.
Regarded as one of the most remarkable players of his era, Hooper wraps up his rugby career as a four-time John Eales Medalist. Since his debut in 2012, the flanker has been a part of 125 games for the Wallabies. He was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021.
Hooper set several records during his outstanding career. He became the fastest and youngest player to reach 100 Tests for his country in 2021. At 23, he became the youngest-ever Wallabies captain in 2014, and set a record for the most caps as Wallabies captain in 2023.
Hooper’s brilliance also led the NSW Waratahs to victory in the 2014 Super Rugby title. He was awarded one of the eight Matt Burke Cups as the Waratah player of the season. Hooper played his last Test for the Wallabies in South Africa in 2023 before transitioning to Sevens. His Sevens debut was at the tournament in Hong Kong for Australia in April, followed by the Singapore event a month later.