Wallabies back-rower Tom Hooper has no regrets over his move to the English Premiership while admitting his future beyond next year remains uncertain.
Hooper has signed a deal with Exeter Chiefs for 2026 after several years with the ACT Brumbies.
The back-rower had had limited time in the gold jersey but made a statement after inspiring the Wallabies to victory over the Lions in the final test.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said post match he was treating Hooper’s move as a short-term deal, saying “He's very keen to be back in time for the World Cup so I'd like to think that his sojourn in Exeter is a little bit of a sabbatical and that he'll be back and he's growing as a player, I think he's really improved from last year.”
Hooper was keeping his focus short term for the time being as the Wallabies prepare to face the Springboks on Sunday (AEST).
“I love the gold jersey. I love playing in it. My decisions to go overseas were definitely to improve myself as a rugby player,” Hooper told reporters.
“I don't have a crystal ball, unfortunately. I don't know what's going to happen in my future, but I'll just keep making decisions based on being a good rugby player and hopefully playing in that gold jersey because I absolutely love it.
“I think the decision I made at the time was a really good decision. I still stand by that decision, because I'm going to go over there and improve as a player.
“Right now I'm just focusing where my feet are and right now my feet are in South Africa, and I've got a job to do here…then I have a job to do in the Exeter jersey and I'll pour every little bit of energy that I can into that team, improve as a player, hopefully improve that club.”
The win over the Lions was Hooper’s first start in the gold jersey since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, relishing the chance to replace Brumbies teammate Rob Valetini.
“It was a huge moment. Watching back at the game, I think there was a few other guys that were probably more deserving but it was definitely a team effort,” Hooper humbly said.
“I know it sounds cliche, but it was just good for me to get back in that starting jersey. It's the first time I've been back there since the World Cup. It's been a long road, on field and off field, so it was pretty special to be out there and just to get the win more than anything.
"It was great to get the win with the guys and be a part of a change room that had a great vibe about it.”
