Legendary Wallaby and Sevens star Michael Hooper has announced his retirement from Australian Rugby after an illustrious career spanning over a decade.
Hooper, 32, made the announcement on Sunday, marking the end of his time with the Wallabies and his recent pursuit with the Sevens team aimed at the Olympics.
“My Olympic journey has come to an end, and with it, my Australian Rugby career,” Hooper shared in a statement on social media. “To the Aussie Sevens team, you’ve been an awesome, helpful, and talented group of athletes to be part of.”
Reflecting on his broader career
Hooper expressed gratitude: “I’m grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout. We’ve shared an incredible journey, filled with unforgettable experiences, challenges, and memories. Thank you.”
Hooper retires as one of the greatest players of his generation, having earned the prestigious John Eales Medal four times. His career saw him play 125 games for the Wallabies since his debut in 2022. He was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021, and in 2021, he became the fastest and youngest player to reach 100 Tests for Australia.
In 2014, Hooper made history by becoming the youngest-ever Wallabies captain at 23. He went on to set a record for the most caps as Wallabies captain in 2023. His leadership extended to inspiring the NSW Waratahs to the 2014 Super Rugby title and winning one of eight Matt Burke Cups as Waratah player of the season.
Hooper played his final Test for the Wallabies in South Africa in 2023 before transitioning to Sevens. His Sevens journey began with a debut at the iconic Hong Kong event in April, followed by the Singapore event a month later.
