As his Waratahs swansong looms, Michael Hooper has offered a rare hint of what his future might look like.
The former Wallabies captain will wear the iconic blue jersey in Sydney for the final time on Saturday when his side hosts Moana Pasifika in the final round of the regular season.
Beyond that, the future is uncertain. The only thing that is clear is Hooper likely won’t play Super Rugby Pacific in 2024.
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Much has been said behind the scenes with rumours the 31-year-old will pursue a Sevens career.
Speaking ahead of his swansong, Hooper said the fast-paced rugby code has some appeal.
“Sevens is on the landscape but there’s a lot of work and detail that needs to go into that,” said Hooper.
“Those guys are incredibly fit and it’s a different game and it’s a different beast to when I started and played a bit, not for Aussie Sevens but years and years ago.
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“I’m a different player now so how that would even look; there’s a lot of discussion that needs to be had. Is there overseas? Is there something else? I’m really open to it.
“It would certainly be a change of my body comp(osition) and understanding a different game in a new environment,” he added.
“There’s certainly appeal there.”
Hooper was guarded when asked whether he would like to play rugby overseas, affirming it’s not off the table.
He was also coy about his chances of representing the Wallabies when the British & Irish Lions tour Australia in 2025.
“I don’t know; never say never,” he added.
“I’ve travelled a lot, I’ve been lucky to do that and do this for a long time. I’ve got a young family.
“However that shapes up over the next little bit and what that takes to get back in a gold jersey at that point in time, I don’t know.
“It depends. I don’t know what the next six months looks like (let alone) the next three years.”
Hooper indicated he hasn’t shored anything up beyond seeing out his Rugby Australia contract.
It’s rare and fresh air for the Sydneysider, who said he’ll assess his options in time.
“I had that break last year and because I’ve been in contract for quite some time, I’ve never really come off the boil,” Hooper explained.
“There’s always been kind of next year. I’ve never really had the time to see where things take us.
“It wasn’t through lack of wanting anything or wanting change or not wanting to be here anymore, it’s just sort of how the cards have been dealt and I’m really okay with that.”
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