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Report: Michael Hooper to make shock code switch after Wallabies axing
By Kim Ekin
Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is set to switch rugby codes in 2024 after he was left out of Eddie Jones' Rugby World Cup squad.
According to a report by Iain Payten of the Sydney Morning Herald, the 31-year-old flanker is set to accept a contract with the Sevens programme with an eye to Paris for the 2024 Olympics with the Australian men's Sevens side.
The Test centurion is looking at a one-year commitment and would first feature on the World Rugby Sevens circuit with Australia before the Olympics.
Hooper would expected to be a star attraction for the new Perths Sevens event in January, after the event moved from Sydney.
Australia gained automatic qualification for the Olympics after finishing fifth this year on the World Series.
Hooper's five-year deal with Rugby Australia is set to expire at the end of 2023 and the openside flanker has expressed interest in a switch to Sevens in the past, with the gruelling fitness requirements and the chance to win a gold medal appealing to the No 7.
Should Hooper go through with the switch, he would join stars Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi as high profile Wallabies to make the move in recent years.
France's superstar Antoine Dupont is also reportedly considering the 2024 Olympics as well.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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