Tom Hooper has returned to Brumbies camp ready to back up his breakout 2023 after a tough finish to the year.
Hooper emerged as a star of the future for the Wallabies last year, backing up his viral soundbites off the field with some brilliant Rugby on the field in the Test arena.
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However, after their World Cup exit, Hooper's 'head down, bum up' approach led to the 23-year-old struggling to deal with the consequences of his sudden return.
“I probably didn’t navigate it too well, to be honest," he told reporters when asked about how he handled the group stages exit.
“I wanted to go head down, bum up for a bit and keep training through the break and I probably didn’t let myself refresh.
“…I probably worked too hard and needed that break. Me and Blake Schoupp were pretty keen to rip into it again and all the boys would be like ‘mate you’re on holidays, go home.’ I probably should’ve listened to their advice and learnt the hard way."
It led him to seek out the club's sports psychiatrist Guy Little in order to restore the balance in his life.
"He’s been awesome so I’ve come back this side of the new year in a lot better headspace, having a lot more fun," Hooper explained
“I’m just focusing on my enjoyment of the game and the reason we all play and that is because you love playing with your mates.
“(He helped) just with understanding where I can find my energy and what gives me energy, (whether) it’s having a coffee with the boys, playing golf or being with my girlfriend. He made me realise that and making sure I’m making time for that in my week instead of just being on the computers or doing extra gym.
“It’s not always about that, it’s about moderation.”
The Brumbies will return to action on Saturday in their opening trial of the year against the Fijian Drua, serving as a doubleheader along with the Brumbies Super Rugby W side facing Hong Kong.
After a long pre-season, Hooper is ready to start once again after their semi-final exit.
“It’s been a really long pre-season, some of these boys have been here since early November so they’re ready to rip tear bust," he added.
“Whilst there were a few negatives to us coming back (early), I think it was a real positive in the end because we got a lot more time on deck, with the younger and new boys to build those combinations.
“It’s a great group this year. A lot of continuing players from last year and the new additions has been awesome.”
