Hong Kong Sevens: former Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper to make international debut after being named in 13-man squad
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Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is expected to make his international sevens debut in Hong Kong next week, after being named in Australia’s 13-man squad for the tournament.
Hooper, who appeared in 125 Tests and is his country’s most capped player, switched to sevens after being controversially axed by Eddie Jones ahead of last year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
The open-side flanker’s transition has been set back by an Achilles injury and a calf problem which have delayed his selection, but he now seems likely to make his first appearance at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, which start next Friday.
“For the first time we’ll get to see Michael Hooper in an Australian sevens jersey,” head coach John Manenti said in a statement.
“‘Hoops has worked hard to make his way into the squad, and we’re all delighted to welcome the ‘rookie’ into the mix.”
Hooper, 32, hopes to win a berth for the men’s Olympic sevens tournament this July.