Michael Hooper’s Remarkable Transition to Rugby Sevens

In a surprising turn of events, the legendary Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper has opened up about his journey into the dynamic world of rugby sevens. After being brutally axed from the Australian squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Hooper made the bold decision to switch his focus to the fast-paced, Olympic-style format of the game.

Embracing the “Rookie” Status

The 32-year-old, who had amassed an impressive 125 Test caps for his country, has found the transition to be a humbling experience. Speaking in a new HSBC documentary titled “Going for Green and Gold with Michael Hooper,” the former Wallabies captain recalled a telling moment that highlighted his newfound status as a “rookie” in the rugby sevens setup.

“When I walked into camp, there’s another player from Manly who is 21, and he called me ‘Rook’ straightaway,” Hooper said. “So I was the rookie straight off the bat, so I knew where I stood pretty immediately, and I love that.”

Adapting to a New Dynamic

Hooper’s decision to turn his back on the 15-a-side game and embrace the challenges of rugby sevens has been met with both surprise and intrigue from the rugby community. The HSBC SVNS (Sevens) league, widely regarded as a hotbed of athletic talent, has been described as a place where “athletes come first, rugby players second.”

Undeterred by the shift in dynamic, Hooper has embraced his role as a student, eager to learn from his younger counterparts and immerse himself in the unique demands of the sport. “I am very much in a learning capacity and I will be throughout the whole year,” he added. “So the more I can get all the players in there to talk to me like they would talk to each other or anyone else, is the most important thing.”

Aiming for the Paris Olympics

As Hooper sets his sights on the prestigious Paris Olympics in 2024, his journey serves as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of elite athletes. The rugby union world will be watching with keen interest to see how the Wallabies legend navigates the thrilling world of rugby sevens and whether he can secure a place on the Australian team for the upcoming Olympic Games.

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