Wallabies legend Michael Hooper will return to Rugby after signing a short term deal with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.
It comes after Springboks powerhouse Pieter-Steph du Toit picked up an injury during the opening month of action of the Rugby League One competition, first reported by Wide World of Sports.
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Hooper spent the 2021 domestic season with the club after departing the NSW Waratahs on a sabbatical, featuring in ten games.
It brought the best out of the four-time John Eales Medalist, eventually nominated for Test Rugby Player of the Year later in the year.
“It’s a great club, really good people and competitive,” Hooper told WWOS.
“There wasn’t too many places I would have really been keen to play, and this was right up there because I had such a fond memory from being up there a few years back.
“…There is still a little part of me that would like to see if I could mix it again. I’m just stoked. It’s a bit of a Hail Mary that we didn’t see coming. There was some discussions a while back but this has really developed in pretty much a week’s time.”
The 33-year-old returns to the 15-a-side game after making the switch to Sevens last year.
Hooper, who was aiming for the Paris Olympics, made his debut at the iconic Hong Kong event before missing selection for the landmark event.
“My Olympic journey has come to an end, and with it, my Australian Rugby career. To the Aussie Sevens team, I wish you all the best you’ve been an awesome, helpful, and talented group of athletes to be part of,” Hooper said last July.
“As for my time in Australian Rugby, I’m grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout. We’ve shared an incredible journey, filled with unforgettable experiences, challenges, and memories.”
Hooper played his last 15s game for the Wallabies in 2023 during the Rugby Championship, before controversially missing selection for the World Cup.
He will link up with former All Blacks scrum half Aaron Smith and rugby league convert Joseph Manu at the club, with ex New Zealand coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster at the helm.
Toyota Verblitz have had a slow start to the season, winning just one from their first four games.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-14 22:48:22
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