Renowned Wallaby and rugby sevens player, Michael Hooper, has declared his retirement from Australian Rugby.
Speaking on Sunday, Hooper revealed the end of an esteemed career that extended for over ten years. At the age of 32, he had transitioned to Sevens from the Wallabies in an ambitious attempt for a spot in the Olympics team, a journey Hooper now accepts has reached its conclusion.
In a statement shared on social media, Hooper commented on his experiences, saying, “My Olympic journey has come to an end, and with it, my Australian Rugby career.” He extended best wishes to the Aussie Sevens team, expressing gratitude for their assistance and talent. He also thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support throughout his career in Australian Rugby.
Hooper, a four-time John Eales Medalist, bows out as one of his generation’s most respected players. Since his debut in 2012, he played 125 matches for the Wallabies, achieving nominations for World Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021. In 2021, Hooper became the swiftest and youngest player to reach 100 Tests for his country.
In 2014, aged only 23, he became the youngest-ever captain of the Wallabies, breaking the record for the most games as Wallabies captain in 2023. His leadership led the NSW Waratahs to secure the 2014 Super Rugby title and he won one of eight Matt Burke Cups as Waratah player of the season.
His final Test for the Wallabies was in South Africa in 2023 before transitioning to Sevens. In the same year, he made his debut for Australia in Hong Kong, followed by participation in the Singapore event a month later.
Source: Rugby.com.au