Wallabies welcome back 23-Test backrower for second Japan clash

Exeter Chiefs backrower Tom Hooper has been added to the Wallabies squad ahead of the second Flight Centre Series Test against Japan, joining the group in Brisbane after last weekend’s nail-biting 35-32 win in Osaka.

Hooper last suited up in Wallaby gold in the opening match of the inaugural Nations Championship, playing 12 minutes off the bench in the two-point defeat to Ireland. But the 25-year-old is back in the mix after overcoming a shoulder injury.

The former ACT Brumbies enforcer is part of a strong loose forwards Wallabies contingent, led by captain Harry Wilson. Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight were the other starters against the Brave Blossoms last Saturday, while Charlie Cale provided cover off the bench.

23-Test Wallaby Hooper has come off a strong debut season with the Chiefs, which included heartbreak in the Premiership decider against Henry Pollock’s Northampton Saints. But before that, ‘Hoops’ was a regular starter under then Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt.

Schmidt brought Hooper into the run-on side for the third Lions Series Test, and the utility repaid the faith by producing a Player of the Match performance. That was the first of 10 starts under Schmidt throughout the 2025 international season, lining up at both lock and blindside.

“Tom is very close,” Kiss told reporters last weekend in Osaka.

“We’ll have a report on where we are at the moment, and then we’ll make a decision tonight whether we do bring Tom or someone else in. But at this stage, I’d like to see how this evening pans out.”

The Wallabies have ended a 12-month wait to claim back-to-back wins, dating back to historic results against the British & Irish Lions in Sydney and the Springboks at Johannesburg’s Emirates Airline Park last August.

Harry Potter and Tom Wright crossed for an early try each at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, but a 20-minute red card to lock Miles Amatosero was another talking point at half-time. Japan brought the two teams level at 14-all before the break.

It was more of the same during the second term, with only three points separating the sides when the full-time whistle sounded. Japan’s Warner Dearns touched down for a late try, making it a one-score game in the dying stages, but the visitors did enough to hang on.

The Wallabies have returned home to Australia, currently in Brisbane before jetting up to North Queensland later in the week. Argentina claimed a 28-24 win over the Aussies the last time the men in gold played at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium in September 2025.