New Wallabies recruit primed for debut after landing in Exeter

Australia forward Tom Hooper is in contention to make his Exeter Chiefs debut this weekend after arriving at his new club.

Fresh from the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship campaign, where the 24-year-old started all six matches, Hooper arrived at the Chiefs’ training base at Sandy Park still donning the scar on his right cheek he sustained on international duty.

The Chiefs host Harlequins on Sunday in the Gallagher PREM, and director of rugby Rob Baxter will be keen to throw the Wallaby into action as soon as possible following their derby loss to Bristol Bears.

After signing Hooper, Baxter highlighted his versatility, being able to play in the second-row and back-row, which was on display during the Rugby Championship, where he started Tests as a lock and a flanker.

Hooper will be joined by his fellow Australia international Len Ikitau this season in Devon, whose debut is also imminent.

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“We’re delighted to have signed Tom,” Baxter said after signing Hooper. “A young international who is a big, abrasive back-five forward, we see him having the opportunity to play across our back row but cover second row as well.

“He’s got a lot of the attributes that are really important in Premiership rugby – high work-rate along with good physical size and good physical abilities. He’s also an interesting character and someone we’re excited to bring to the club to grow the team we want to put together going forward.

“Alongside our other young back five forwards, such as Dafydd Jenkins, Rusi Tuima, Greg Fisilau and Ethan Roots – the back five has the ability to be a really strong group that can build over a number of years.

“We’d like to see that all develop into becoming what I’d like to see as a dominant back five to the scrum in the coming seasons.”