Rugby Australia and the ACT Brumbies are pleased to confirm Tom Hooper has signed a contract extension through to the end of 2025.
Born in Bathurst in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, the 23-year-old played his first Rugby for the Bathurst Bulldogs before attending St Stanislaus College in Sydney where he played two years in their first XV side.
After graduating, Hooper moved to Canberra to continue his growth at Tuggeranong Vikings and was later selected in the 2019 Australian Schools & U18s side that defeated New Zealand Schools for the first time since 2012.
The COVID-19 pandemic robbed Hooper of an opportunity to play in the 2021 World Rugby U20 Championship however he did make his Super Rugby debut for the ACT Brumbies in that same year against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
A year later, Hooper began to earn more consistent opportunities with the Brumbies before a shoulder injury in the Super Rugby Semi-Final ended his year and any chance of further honours with the Australia A squad at the Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji.
2023 would prove to be a breakout year for versatile forward, with his Super Rugby performances rewarded with Wallabies squad selection, followed by a Test debut in South Africa in Pretoria where he started at blindside flanker.
After injuring his shoulder during his debut, Hooper missed the Wallabies next match against Argentina, but remarkably started in the side’s remaining seven Tests of 2023, including their four pool matches at the Rugby World Cup.
Hooper was again a mainstay for the Brumbies during their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign where they fell one game short of a Grand Final appearance.
Wallabies and Brumbies forward Tom Hooper said: “I’m stoked to be sticking around in Canberra for at least another year. It definitely feels like home for me here and I’m desperate to be part of a successful Brumbies team.”
“I know I have a lot of growth in me both on and off the field and I’m highly motivated to do everything I can to be part of the major events on the horizon here in Australia.”
Rugby Australia Director of High-Performance Peter Horne said: “It’s a real positive to have Tom re-sign with Australian Rugby.”
“He’s a mature young man with a bright future ahead and we’re looking forward to supporting him reach his potential.”
ACT Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham said: “We're happy Tom is committed to extending his time with the Brumbies and Australian Rugby." "I know our Members, fans and staff will be pleased with our recent re-signings, knowing a core group of our players are staying in Canberra." "Hoops has achieved so much in a short space of time since graduating from the Brumbies Academy to our top squad in 2021. And we look forward to continuing his progression as a player on and off field in the season ahead."
Position: Lock/Back row
Height: 199cm
Weight: 122kg
Born: 29 January, 2001
Place of birth: Bathurst, New South Wales
Super Rugby debut: 2022 v Crusaders in Christchurch
Super Rugby caps: 38
Test debut: 2023 v South Africa in Pretoria
Test caps: 8
Wallabies v Wales, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v Wales, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wallabies v Georgia, 3:45pm AEST, Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v South Africa, 2:30pm AEST, Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v South Africa, 5:45pm AWST, Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST, Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
