For most professional rugby players, knowing their next move is priority number one. Not so for Michael Hooper.
The Wallabies’ most-capped captain says after more than a decade of playing at the highest level, he is in no hurry to make a decision on his future beyond this year’s World Cup. Even, astonishingly, if that means not having a deal sewn up before the World Cup.
“There’s a bit of ambiguity in the air. Ambiguity in my mind, too,” Hooper told reporters on Thursday ahead of the Waratahs’ must-win match against the Western Force in Sydney on Saturday.
“I’ve not got anything lined up for next year.”
Michael Hooper says he’s in no rush to sign a new deal ahead of the World Cup. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Having taken a two-month break from the game last August because of burnout, The Roar can reveal Hooper has turned down multiple offers overseas and is happy to go with the flow.
“I’ve been in a contract for a long time it seems like now,” Hooper said.
“Since the end of 2009 I’ve [been] signed in Australia and I had that little dip off to Japan [at the start of 2021] but aside from that, it’s all been in Australia.
“I don’t know what the next thing is going to look like. It’s a nice position to be in to be open to all aspects and that’s playing, that might not be playing, that’s having time off, that’s whatever. I’m completely an open book or start the next chapter. I’m actually really excited by the fact that I don’t know what I’m doing.”
By pushing a decision further down the road, Hooper is likely forgoing himself hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But Hooper isn’t on the hunt for the next deal, he’s on the scent of the right move in his life.
“Yeah, I guess, you eliminate a lot of options when you leave that open, right?” he said. “But it also opens up a lot of options.
“You’ve got to be prepared that it might not work out. I’m prepared that something might not pop up and then roll with the punches, but that’s super exciting. There’s some good things on next year, not only here but around, so I’ll keep my mind open.”
Michael Hooper has left the door ajar to play at next year’s Olympics. Photo: Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley
One of those things could be a late tilt at playing at a maiden Olympics campaign.
Ahead of last year’s international season, Hooper mentioned his interest in the Olympics.
Once again, the openside flanker, whose pace, work-rate and engine has seen him a first-choice player by four successive Wallabies coaches, brought up the globe’s biggest event unprompted.
“There’s an Olympics,” he said, before cheekily adding, “there’s rugby league. I’m joking. I’m an open book.”
Australia’s men’s sevens coach John Manenti said he would welcome Hooper making himself eligible.
“Yeah, he’s got all the skill sets, he’s got the experience, obviously he hasn’t played for a long time, but if he’s prepared to put himself up for selection through some lead-in tournaments, he’d be of great interest to us,” Manenti told The Roar.
Asked what players like Hooper can provide, Manenti said their value extended beyond the tournament play.
“Definitely. The lessons aren’t just in the event, the lessons are ongoing and the value has lasting effects,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hooper said he was far from satisfied with where his form was currently at with the Waratahs, but acknowledged it was a long year and it was about peaking at the right time.
“I feel great. Obviously really motivated with what’s ahead on the season,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ve played my best rugby. I think I’ve still got a lot more to give to this team and what I’m capable of, so I’m chasing that.
“It’s not through lack of effort. I’ve just got to find where I fit and how I can really contribute to this team well and sort of unlock my skill set within the game.
“In saying that, I’m having some good patches, some really good involvements, and some not-so-good involvements. I just want to flip those other ones, so the efficiency ratings are just way up.”
Michael Hooper says Eddie Jones’ appointment will bring an added edge at Wallabies training. Photo: Karen Watson
Hooper said he had to improve his accuracy around the breakdown and added he wanted to be “more dominant in the tackle area” on both sides of the ball.
One of Australia’s most experienced players alongside incumbent captain James Slipper, Hooper said the World Cup was fast approaching and he was excited by next week’s first Wallabies camp under Eddie Jones.
“Guys [are going to be] on edge, I think that’s going to bring a really good edge to the camp,” he said. “No one knows what to expect.
“The great thing about a World Cup year is it’s like a sprint. There’s 150 days now until it’s on time. It’s going to come around before we know it.”
ScrumStability
Roar Rookie
In the Pooper days I actually wanted him to be a bench super sub - I don't think both Pocock and Hooper could be on at the same time and not upset the backrow. Now I don't know who our 7 is really.
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
The time has come for him to be a bench player/25min injection. The problem is he is a pure 7 only and lacks the versatility to cover multiple positions like Samu, Wilkins, and Leota... you either start him or drop him.
cs
Roar Guru
Funny thing is the only bagging I ever see is here at the Roar. It's like an alternative world in this respect to my life in meatspace, where he is universally acclaimed. All I can surmise is that it's a Queensland thing.
ScrumStability
Roar Rookie
Its a fascinating question. Whatever he does I hope he is relaxed and happy. He has served Rugby and the Wallabies well. Its strange to see him as one of the old guard but there he is. How time flies.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Those years under Cheika must have been exhausting. Shame rugby doesn't have T20 equivalent, where careers can be extended making big bucks and having fun.
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
When Hooper does retire soon, and after stepping away from the game for a few years, I'm curious what he'll do: a Pocock (go into Politics); coaching, or admin/business side of rugby? Or perhaps open up coffee shops
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Google what Comical said the Dylan Hartley , Ooooops . Your f……ed !
Hunters
Roar Rookie
My guess is that he’s not thinking about being a 7’s longtimer. If the Olympics is on his radar, he’d aim to be in that system only long enough to give himself a shot.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
ozinsa, yes, and the 7s game has changed dramatically in the past 6 months or so in the way tackles are made, mauls are handled, body in contact, field positioning and tactics etc. I'm afraid someone without experience in this would find it extremely difficult to make an impact short term at all. South of France sounds good for Hooper.
Big A
Roar Rookie
I'm sort of with you Mirt - I'm kinda worried if his attitude is right for the upcoming world cup - he sounds like he might be a liability with that attitude - Hoops gave it all - but its not as if Aus under his leadership won the Bledisloe or lifted Bill - he will go down as a decent enough player that was probably born in the wrong era - the power game unfortunately left him behind and he probably only should have played 20 or 30 tests - other than that he was a top bloke who spilt claret for the guernsey - good luck to him - and thanks for trying your best man.
Mirt
Roar Rookie
WARNING: personal opinion follows. Not a Hooper fan, liked him at first with his skateboard. So many nice remarks about him here, good on ya fellas. I can’t wait to see someone else in a gold 7 guernsey.
Fin
Roar Rookie
A few have posted that a season of 7's wouldn't suit his personal situation but I think that's what he'll pursue. I think he'll be looking for something to get his hunger for competition going again, I don't think the Japanese league or France will do that. A shot at Olympic Gold would. It's only next year so short term.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
I'd be surprised if Hoops plays on after the WC. He probably could physically but I think his "struggles" off field might inhibit that decision. A wife and a couple of "tin lids" may also be a factor. Whatever HE decides, he has been a great servant to Australian Rugby, irrespective of the constant "bagging" of the bloke.
JC
Roar Rookie
South of France might offer a nice lifestyle but a comfortable life doesn’t seem to be a motivating factor for Hoops. But whatever he does, it’ll be for the right reasons.
TheTruth08
Roar Rookie
Was never a fan of Hooper. But mannn Gotta give credit where it’s due. Gave everything to the jersey he wore Whether it was Manly, Tahs or Wallabies, always thought for every inch.. Go well with whatever you choose Hooper.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Go well with what ever you choose Hoops. You’ve put in a tremendous shift.
Morsie
Roar Rookie
What's the nearest club to Hossegor? Biarritz must have club.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
A season on the 7's circuit is a tough one for a married guy with a young family. He's probably better off choosing somewhere nice to live (south of France etc) and coining it for a season or two.
JC
Roar Rookie
Very happy for Hooper that he’s not rushing into anything. I recall that he once said that once his career at the top was over, he’d give the game away completely so wouldn’t be surprised if there’s no o/s deal. But I can see him giving the Olympics a shot, an exciting challenge without a long-term commitment if he can juggle family responsibilities. If not, RA would surely have a plan to keep him involved off the field. We need to prepare for the curtain to fall on a magnificent career. :unhappy:
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Sounds like money is the last thing on his mind. I’m sure he’s fielded some wild figures from Japan and France. Some need as much as they can muster. Some are just happy with finding balance in life. It seems he might be the latter. Good luck to him