Legendary Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper admits he doesn't know his future past 2023, leaving every option, including retirement, on the table.
Hooper was incredibly candid speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's clash with the Western Force.
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He admitted to a slow start to the season by his lofty standards, looking to be efficient and dominant with his tackling.
However, it's when chat turned to his future that Hooper delivered his most fascinating insights.
Hooper is one of few big-name Wallabies not to sign a long-term deal with the Lions tour in 2025 and a home World Cup in 2027 on the horizon, out of contract at the end of the year.
He signed a five-year deal in 2018, only the second time Rugby Australia had handed a player such a lengthy contract.
“They’re probably right. There’s a bit of ambiguity in the air and in my mind too,” Hooper said when asked if it could be the last time he plays for the Waratahs.
“I have not got anything lined up for next year. I have been in a contract for a lot of time it seems like. Since the end of 2009, I’ve been signed in Australia with that quick dip off to Japan there but aside from that, it’s all been in Australia.
“I don’t know where the next thing is going to look like. It’s a nice position to be in to be open to all aspects. That’s playing or maybe not playing, having time off, whatever. I’m a completely open book or start the next chapter.
“I’m actually really excited by the fact that I don’t know what I am going to do.”
Hooper wasn't putting a time frame on it and even suggested a change to the Sevens program could be a possibility ahead of next year's Paris Olympics.
At the current moment, Hooper is living in the moment.
“I guess you eliminate a lot of options when you leave it open like that but it also opens up a lot but you have to be prepared that it might not work out,” he admits.
“I’m prepared that something might not pop up. I’ll roll with the punches but that’s super exciting. There’s some good things on not only here but around so I’ll keep my mind open.
“Sport, off field yeah anything. There’s an Olympics, there’s rugby league (laughs), nah I’m joking, I just said that because he’s (Jason Gilmore) in here and he’s a Bulldogs fan. I couldn’t do that now.
“I’m an open book, whether that’s 15s, whatever or I’ll just hang it up.”
