MICHAEL HOOPER IS bucking the trend of Australian rugby stars heading to Europe after the World Cup, by signing a new three year deal.
Hooper has committed his future to both Australia and reigning Super Rugby Champions the Waratahs until the end of 2018 at least, after several high-profile Aussies plan to play in Europe after the World Cup.
Will Genia, James Horwill and Adam Ashley-Cooper have all signed deals abroad, while Quade Cooper is locked in a dispute between the ARU and Toulon, after signing a letter of intent with the European champions.
But 23-year-old Hooper, who already has a staggering 42 test caps to his name will remain with the Waratahs for another three seasons at least.
With players who have fewer than 60 caps ineligible for Australian selection once they move abroad, Hooper says maintaining his international future was key to signing a new deal.
“The opportunity to play for my country is something I am very passionate about, and is a huge reason why I wanted to commit beyond my current term,” Hooper said.”I am just stoked to be in this position. To be able to stay here in Australia allows me represent my country, state, club, and all of the people who have supported me since I began playing rugby as a junior.
“For me, that is what being a Wallaby is all about and the greatest honour we have as players. It is something we always cherish and never take for granted.”
Hooper was handed the captaincy by the Wallabies last year, but the return to fitness and form of David Pocock is expected to give head coach Michael Cheika a major selection headache for the number seven jersey.
Cheika says Hooper is an example all young Australian players should follow.
“Michael plays the game with the passion and intensity that we want the Wallabies to be known for,” he said.
“I am very pleased for him, as I know he’s worked extremely hard to put himself in this position and doesn’t take his opportunities for granted.”
43 caps and he’s only 23, that’s scary!
With him being one of the two candidates for the captaincy you’d imagine he’s a shoe in for Cheika’s plans come RWC.
That is quite an impressive statistic, but unfortunately, he isn’t close enough to George North. North is 6 months younger than him and has 49 caps for Wales.
North actually passed 50 caps during the 6N, when he was still 22. Youngest player to reach 50 test caps by more than a year. To put it in perspective, when BOD was that age, he had 23 test caps. Staggering stuff.
Not comparing like with like there.
Yes North is a beast but Cheika has a far bigger talent pool to chose from than Gatland. To get 43 caps under those conditions is more impressive
Exactly, how many quality wingers are there to choose from in wales.
How many backrowers are there in Australia.
Also, Hooper made his international debut 2yrs after North
Backrow of him, pocock at 6, and any of their half decent eights will be scary enough for england and Wales to deal with
Less line-out options there, though . . .
Pocock , hopper and higginbotham at 8
Its 60 caps or more to be eligible not 50 caps.
Thanks Alan, wrong key was hit!
Australians would get the most international caps as they play the most games a year. Last year they played 5 more games than Ireland
not much balance in back row that includes both hooper and Pocock, but with Pocock returning to form in super 15 who do you drop