Hooper’s ‘new challenge’ as exiled Wallabies gun makes shock Sevens change with Olympic dream

Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has revealed he’ll make the change from the 15-man format to Rugby Sevens in 2024.

The 32-year-old was dumped by Eddie Jones main in to what was a disastrous World Cup for the Wallabies in France.

The Australian facet fell out of the match earlier than the knockout phases for the primary time within the historical past of the sport earlier than Jones finally stood down as coach.

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Hooper, who has 125 Test caps to his title, will now shift to sevens rugby full-time in January and is pushing to make his first look in Perth over the Australia Day lengthy weekend.

“The transition is something I have thought a lot about and I’m extremely motivated by the challenge of playing Sevens and trying to earn my way into this team,” Hooper stated in an announcement.

“I’ve started making a few changes to my training in preparation and can’t wait to get started in January.”

Hooper might now characteristic for Australia on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, with the sevens facet mechanically qualifying because of their place final 12 months’s World Rugby Sevens Series.

“Michael is an outstanding Rugby player and a great leader, so we’re thrilled to have him join our program,” head coach John Manenti stated in an announcement.

“We know he’s got a strong skillset for Sevens and a big engine and we’re looking forward to helping him transition quickly to the format.

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“He is a player with big-game experience and to have someone like Michael in our set-up can be a point of difference for us next year.”

Hooper additionally informed WWOS he was excited for a “new challenge” and defined it was unusual to be one of many larger gamers within the squad.

“A lot of running. The most I’ve ever seen,” Hooper stated.

“That’s a new challenge. I’ve done 15s for so long and played in the Wallaby jersey so long, but to play in a sevens tournament and potential to the go to the Olympics, it is exciting stuff.

“I’ve trained with these guys. They are hungry and can run forever… I’m one of the bigger guys in the team which is very unusual. It should be great.”

Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au

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