Statement: Exeter Chiefs sign Wallabies back-row star

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Exeter Chiefs have kicked off their 2025/26 recruitment in style by securing the signature of Wallabies back-row star, Tom Hooper.

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Widely regarded in Australia as a rising force in the Wallabies setup, Hooper has already earned 10 international caps and made 38 Super Rugby appearances for the ACT Brumbies. The 23-year-old is eager to give his all in the upcoming Brumbies season before making the leap to Premiership Rugby.

"Across my five seasons as a Brumby, the club and Canberra have become my home," Hooper shared. "Unfortunately, with the changing dynamic of rugby, sometimes you must fly the coop. That's what I'm going to be doing next year.

"I'm going to leave the Brumbies and try my best to become a better player, with a view to coming back to Australia and becoming an older, more experienced player later down the track, whenever that may be."

Hooper joins a growing list of former Brumbies at Sandy Park, including Scott Sio and Tamati Tua. Known for his competitiveness, Hooper debuted for the Brumbies in 2021 against the Crusaders after COVID-19 disrupted his U20 Junior World Championship plans. His stellar 2022 performances caught the eye of Australian selectors, even as injuries plagued his team.

Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika took notice of Hooper, but it was Eddie Jones who handed the young forward his test debut in the 2023 Rugby Championship. Hooper's inclusion in the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad further solidified his potential.

Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is thrilled with the acquisition: "We're delighted to have signed Tom. He's a young international with size, physicality, and a high work-rate. We're excited to watch him develop alongside our other young forwards like Dafydd Jenkins, Rusi Tuima, and Greg Fisilau.

"This back-five group has the potential to dominate the scrum for years to come."

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