Ex-Wallabies Skipper Michael Hooper Comes Out of Retirement
Today at 06:27 AM
Michael Hooper, the iconic former Wallabies captain, is coming out of retirement to bolster injury-hit Toyota Verblitz for the remainder of the Japan Rugby League One season.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
The 33-year-old flanker has been called in by none other than Steve Hansen, the former All Blacks mastermind, to rescue Toyota's stuttering campaign.
With South African superstar Pieter-Steph du Toit sidelined, Hansen needed a heavyweight addition—and Hooper answered the call.
Join the RUCK's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Hooper’s Japan return: A familiar stomping ground
Hooper, who boasts a mammoth 125 caps for Australia, knows his way around Japanese rugby. He previously turned out for Toyota back in 2021, during the Top League days, and clearly left a lasting impression.
"I'm very thankful to Toyota and Steve for the opportunity to come and play at a club I have such great memories of," Hooper shared in the club's statement. "I'm very excited to contribute to a great team and looking forward to arriving soon."
The Aussie great's last test appearance came in 2023 before Eddie Jones dropped him ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Since then, Jones has swapped Wallaby gold for a role with Japan's Brave Blossoms, but Hooper's decision to lace up again signals he's not done just yet.
Toyota’s struggle without du Toit
Pieter-Steph du Toit, the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, hasn't played a minute this season, leaving Toyota Verblitz short on firepower. The team, which boasts All Blacks star Aaron Smith in its ranks, has had a rough start—just one win, one draw, and three losses, sitting ninth in the 12-team league.
With Hooper's arrival, Hansen will hope his experience and leadership can spark a turnaround. Whether it's leading from the front or putting in the hard graft on the field, Toyota fans will be eager to see what the Wallabies legend brings to the table.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Ilona Maher is one of rugby's richest stars with huge net worth
- Stuart Lancaster has signed another England star for Racing 92
- Ranked: The 50 Greatest British & Irish Lions Players of All Time – Who's No.1?
- Fans Are Only Just Realising Where They Recognise Eben Etzebeth's Wife From
- Michael Cheika to depart Leicester with likely replacement revealed
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.
In the storied history of Rugby’s Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It’s worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.
Surnames only will be accepted.
The post Ex-Wallabies Skipper Michael Hooper Comes Out of Retirement appeared first on Ruck.
