Australian Michael Hooper will play again in Japan

Former Australia captain Michael Hooper announced on Wednesday that he was coming out of retirement to sign with Japanese club Verblitz managed by former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen who convinced him to return to service. “I’m grateful to Steve Hansen for giving me this chance,” the 33-year-old third row told Australian Channel Seven, specifying that he had signed for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. Hooper, who had already played for Verblitz in 2021, participated in the last of his 125 test matches in 2023 – including 69 (record) as captain – with the Wallabies, before being dismissed by coach Eddie Jones just before the World Cup. world. He then moved on to rugby sevens before retiring last June, before the Paris Olympic Games. He has since worked as a consultant.

A call from Hansen after the injury of South African Pieter-Steph du Toit changed the course of things for Hooper. “There weren’t many places I would have agreed to play and this club was at the top of the list because I have great memories of playing there a few years ago.”he added. He said he was physically fit but lacked muscle.