Wallabies back rower Hooper will return to Australia with new deal

The Queensland Reds have secured the services of Tom Hooper in a coup for Australian rugby but will have to patient as the Wallabies flanker plays two more seasons in England.

Rugby Australia on Wednesday confirmed the former Brumbies star’s return on a two-year deal from 2029.

The 25-year-old, who has already played 23 Tests and remains eligible for the Wallabies thanks to his long tenure at the Brumbies, will be on the books from late 2028 once his duties at Exeter are complete.

Hooper was named in the Premiership Team of the Season after helping Exeter to the final and was explosive off the bench for Australia in their 33-31 loss to Ireland in Sydney on Saturday.

He won’t play in Brisbane though, succumbing to a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly against the Irish.

“I’m really happy to have my long-term future secured with a move back to Australia in the not-too-distant future,” Bathurst product Hooper, who played 53 times for the Brumbies, said.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying my time in Exeter and am focused on continuing to improve my game there before returning to Australia and linking up with Queensland.

“In the short-term, my priority is to continue working hard with the Wallabies where I’m incredibly hungry to contribute on and off the field as we continue to build our game as a group.”

The Reds backrow currently boasts Wallabies pair Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight.

Reds football boss Sam Cordingley said Hooper’s signing would act as a carrot to dangle in further recruitment efforts.

“While it will be a few years before we see him in a Reds jersey, he’s another world-class player we can build our squad around,” he said. “In planning for the future, we’re confident Tom’s decision to join the Reds will be a catalyst for retaining and recruiting players over the next few years.”