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Wallabies captain holding out on new deal

Michael Hooper of the Wallabies looks on during the international match between Japan and Australia at Nissan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
18th May, 2018
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Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is keeping Rugby Australia hanging as he weighs up his playing future.

RA is believed to have tabled a five-year offer to Hooper in the hope of retaining the champion flanker’s services through to the 2023 World Cup in France.

But with the 26-year-old able to command upwards of a million dollars a season, Hooper says he’d be foolish not to consider other options offshore.

“I’d be a fool not to give it a bit of thought. It’s what you do,” Hooper said on Friday.

“It’s like anybody’s job. You’ve got to give a bit of thought to it to get the right outcome.”

Rugby Australia is eager to make Hooper the face of Australian rugby and the dual John Eales Medallist admits he’s living the dream playing for the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies in his home city.

“Look, I love playing here in Australia,” Hooper said on the eve of the Waratahs’ Super Rugby match against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium.

“Firstly, I’m so lucky to live and play rugby in a city like Sydney and and I think Australian rugby has so much to give – so much to give – and that really excites me.”

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Asked if a five-year deal was too much of a commitment, Hooper said contract talks were “a work in progress still.”

“Details are being worked through,” he said.

Despite hoping to keep Hooper for five years, it’s understood the governing body would also be willing to reach a compromise and sign the classy openside flanker for a shoter period.

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