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Why prop Harry Hoopert decided to leave Reds for Western Force
Queenslander Harry Hoopert has become the latest player to head west with the promising prop signing with the Force until the end of 2025.
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Hoopert was unveiled by the Western Force on Wednesday morning, and is set to join the club alongside fellow newcomers Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Will Harris and Harry Potter.
The 24-year-old was part of the Australia A touring squad last year. Unfortunately, Hoopert’s tour was cut short after he sustained an ACL injury in the 22-21 win over the Japan XV in Fukuoka.
Hoopert, who played 48 matches for the Queensland Reds over six years, had been “keeping a close eye on the Force” before putting pen to paper with the Perth-based franchise.
“(Coach Simon) Crono coached me in the U20 a few years ago, even then, he was incredibly detailed and thorough, which is what I am looking forward to gaining from him,” Hoopert said.
“I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Force for the last year, and the recent signings especially have caught my attention and made me want to make a move over.
.@westernforce secure the services of loosehead prop Harry Hoopert until the end of 2025 📝#SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/AJMg9Qqs5n
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) August 9, 2023
“I have been at the Reds for six years, so the move will be a welcomed change. The opportunity to come to a younger squad and help out, having input where I can, is exciting.
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“The coaches have built a strong group andly believe that the Force can build on last season.”
Hoopert made his Super Rugby debut during an upset win over the Lions at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
It was the start of a promising career in Queensland – but the next chapter is waiting to be written in Western Australia.
“Harry’s addition brings depth to our front row,” coach Simon Cron said. “With 48 Super caps and Australia A appearances, his experience is invaluable.
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“He’ll challenge and elevate his fellow players on a daily basis, both on and off the training field.”
Comments on RugbyPass
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2 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
2 Go to commentsNow if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
2 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
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