Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has officially retired from Australian rugby after missing out on selection for the sevens team competing at the Paris Olympics.
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The 32-year-old made the announcement on June 30 2024 via social media following the finalisation of the squad by coach John Manenti, which dashed Hooper’s hopes after a selection camp in Darwin over the weekend.
“My Olympic journey has come to an end, and with it, my Australian rugby career,” Hooper shared on Instagram. “To the Aussie sevens team, I wish you all the best. You’ve been an awesome, helpful, and talented group of athletes to be part of.”
Reflecting on his time in Australian rugby, Hooper expressed gratitude to his family and friends for their steadfast support. “We’ve shared an incredible journey, filled with unforgettable experiences, challenges, and memories. Thank you.”
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Hooper, who played for the NSW Waratahs, amassed 125 Test appearances and holds the record for the most times captaining the Wallabies, leading the team 69 times.
His international career began in 2012 at the age of 20, and he quickly became known for his leadership on the field, becoming the youngest Wallabies captain since Ken Catchpole and reaching 100 Test caps at a remarkably young age.
During his career, Hooper earned four John Eales Medals, awarded to the Wallaby of the year, and was twice nominated for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award.
After controversially missing out on selection for the Wallabies’ 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, Hooper made a late switch to sevens rugby with the goal of ending his career at the Olympics.
However, injuries hampered his sevens debut until April, and a subsequent groin injury limited his participation to just two world series tournaments before the final in Madrid.
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