SYDNEY – Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is in line for his international rugby sevens debut, as he looks to push for a place in Australia’s squad for the Olympics in Paris.
Flanker Hooper was included in Australia’s 13-man squad for the sixth round of the global SVNS series in Hong Kong from April 5 to 7.
“Hoops has worked hard to make his way into the squad, and we’re all delighted to welcome the rookie into the mix,” coach John Manenti said in a statement on March 28.
“Like any new player, it will be a learning experience for him, and an important start point to a potential Paris Olympics.”
Hooper, Australia’s most capped skipper in rugby union, launched his sevens bid late in 2023 after being controversially left out of former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones’ World Cup squad.
His transition has been set back by an Achilles injury and a calf problem, which have delayed his selection.
He will hope to have a similar impact as France Test captain Antoine Dupont, whose switch to sevens has been a roaring success and boosted the Olympic hosts’ medal chances at Paris.
Australia have never threatened to win a medal in men’s sevens since the sport’s Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Games, though the nation claimed the first women’s gold in Brazil.
Sevens powerhouse Fiji won the men’s titles at Rio and the Tokyo Games. Australia’s men lie fifth in the SVNS series led by Argentina.
Another Australian who endured World Cup disappointment was Max Jorgensen.
After rejecting overtures from rugby league club Sydney Roosters to remain with the New South Wales Waratahs, the fullback said his experience at the showpiece in France was fuelling his push for a Wallabies jersey.
The 19-year-old recommitted to Super Rugby Pacific’s Waratahs until the end of 2026 in a deal announced on March 27.
Jorgensen was a surprise inclusion in Jones’ World Cup squad, but left France without playing a minute after fracturing a bone in his lower leg in training.
That near-miss renewed his determination to play Test rugby, he said on March 28.
“I want to put on that gold jersey for the first time,” he said. “To not put it on there, it was really devastating. Injuries happen, it is what it is, but that’s what I aspire to do... put on that gold jersey.”
Jorgensen’s retention is a boost for Australian rugby following teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase’s decision to ditch the code in favour of joining the Roosters in 2025.
The livewire Australia winger signed a two-year deal with the National Rugby League side in December, making him unavailable for 2025’s British and Irish Lions Tour and the 2026 season. REUTERS
