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Rugby Australia have reportedly put on the table a five-year contract extension for Michael Hooper to keep him in Australia and lock him away for the upcoming 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
It is the longest deal ever offered by Rugby Australia to an individual player, a sign of the times perhaps that the code is becoming more like the NRL and AFL where such contracts are common.
The five-year deal is said to be one of a range of options that Hooper has been offered as possible contract extensions by the governing body.
It could also have the effect of putting Hooper in the spotlight to a greater degree at a time where Rugby’s most recognisable face, Israel Folau, has become a controversial figure.
Hooper is yet to commit to playing in Super Rugby beyond the 2018 season, but did offer some comments recently that suggest Australia is where he sees his future.
“You can’t get caught up in looking too far down the track. You have to focus on the here and now. That’s where my head is at,” said Hooper.
“These things take time . There are a lot of things going on, as you can imagine. Whenever that time arrives, so be it.
“I love playing rugby in Australia. It is such a great place to play rugby. There is a great talent pool and we have a lot of players coming up who are hungry to win, and that’s something that is exciting.”