Michael Kent Hooper, born on October 29, 1991, is a highly accomplished Australian rugby union player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Renowned for his exceptional skills and leadership abilities, Hooper has excelled in the role of openside flanker and has captained the prestigious Australia national team, the Wallabies.
Hooper's journey in rugby began at a young age, playing junior rugby for the Manly Roos in Sydney, Australia. He quickly demonstrated his talent and potential, representing Australia's under-20 team at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship, where he captained the side on occasions and was recognized as the International Player of the Tournament.
His professional career kicked off when he made his debut for the Brumbies in 2010 as a stand-in for the injured George Smith. Following a breakout season in 2012, Hooper's skills caught the attention of the New South Wales Waratahs, who signed him for the 2013 season. That year, Hooper played every Super Rugby game for the Waratahs and received accolades such as the Australian Super 15 Player of the Year and the Waratahs' Player of the Year.
Hooper's influence and impact continued to grow. In 2014, he was named captain of the Waratahs when regular captain Dave Dennis was ruled out due to injury. Under his leadership, the Waratahs claimed victory in the Grand Final against the Crusaders, securing their first Super Rugby title.
On the international stage, Hooper made his debut for the Wallabies in 2012, earning his first cap against Scotland. He quickly established himself as a key player, starting in every Test game until the final Spring-Tour game of that year. In 2013, Hooper's outstanding performances earned him the John Eales Medal as the Wallabies' Player of the Year.
Hooper's leadership qualities shone through, and in 2014, he was appointed vice-captain of the Wallabies, demonstrating his ability to inspire and guide his teammates. When captain Stephen Moore suffered a knee injury early in a match against France, Hooper assumed the captaincy and led the team to a resounding victory.
Throughout his career, Hooper has received numerous accolades and awards, including multiple John Eales Medals, which recognize Australia's best rugby player. His resilience, durability, and unwavering commitment to the sport have made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in Australian rugby.
In 2020, Hooper reached a significant milestone, playing his 100th test for Australia and becoming the fastest Wallaby to achieve this feat. He has continued to lead the Wallabies with distinction and has surpassed George Gregan's record for the most caps as Wallabies captain, further solidifying his place in rugby history.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Hooper has also made a significant impact off the field, embodying the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and leadership. He has become a role model for aspiring rugby players, inspiring a new generation of athletes to strive for excellence.
In summary, Michael Hooper's rugby career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his humble beginnings as a junior player to captaining the national team, he has demonstrated exceptional talent, resilience, and leadership. As one of Australia's most-capped players, Hooper's contributions to the sport have etched his name among the greats, leaving an enduring legacy in Australian rugby.
KG(07/07/2023)
Career
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ACT Brumbies Openside Flanker |
2010 - 2012 |
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Toyota Verblitz Openside Flanker |
2020 - 2021 |
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Manly Marlins Openside Flanker |
2012 - 2023 |
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Australia Openside Flanker |
2012 - 2023 |
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NSW Waratahs Openside Flanker |
2013 - 2023 |
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Australia 7's Openside Flanker |
2024 - 2024 |
