Reds sign Wallaby’s younger brother who has impressed in NZ’s NPC

Northland backrower Lachlan Hooper has committed to the Queensland Reds for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, with new head coach Vern Cotter hopeful the recruit can add versatility to the forward pack.

Hooper, who is the younger brother of Wallabies enforcer Tom Hooper, has previously spent time with the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs. The 22-year-old debuted for the Brums against the British & Irish Lions last July, but is yet to play at Super Rugby Pacific level.

The 2023 Australia Under-20s representative is currently playing provincial rugby across the ditch in New Zealand, suiting up for Northland for the second season in a row. Northland brought an end to their near 50-year Ranfurly Shield drought last week, with ‘Hoops’ starting at openside.

Hooper made nine appearances for the Taniwha last season, and has so far suited up four times in the 2026 campaign. The lock-backrow utility touched down for a hat-trick in a monstrous round three win over Tarnaki on August 14.

“I’ve noted the way the Blues boys in the Northland squad talk about Vern. He’s firm and there’s that strong ‘let’s go through ’em’ mentality on the field if there is no way around it,” Hooper said.

“I’ve only heard good things about the Reds set-up and I’m excited to work under Vern.

“The NPC is a very physical comp. I’ve always enjoyed putting my head in dark places and I definitely feel my physicality has gone up playing two seasons in NZ.

“There has been a real benefit to getting some high-quality footy and seeing rugby from a different view.

“Being in the Brumbies and Waratahs programs has also enabled me to learn so much from both coaches and senior players.”

Hooper made a handful of appearances for the Australia U20 side at the 2023 World Rugby Junior World Championship, starting all five matches at blindside flanker. The forward is a proven option at lineout time, having been a regular set-piece targe for Northland this season.

The Barker College product has so far started matches this season against Manawatu, Taranaki and Canterbury, and came off the bench away to Bay of Plenty. Northland are one of the top teams on the NPC standings after four rounds.

Cotter added: “I had an eye on him from last year’s NPC. He’s been playing well with Northland this season and he definitely offers good versatility in the forwards.”

Hooper has signed on for 2027, while older brother Tom is Brisbane-bound on a two-year deal starting in mid-2028. Lachie joked about how the two have spoken about who gets the ‘Hoops’ nickname, should he “push my case to stay around longer.”