Michael Hooper retires from Australia duty after Paris Olympics omission

Former Australia captain Michael Hooper has retired from international duty after his hopes of appearing at the Paris Olympics ended.

The 32-year-old, who captained the Wallabies a record 69 times in his 125-Test career, transitioned from 15-man rugby to sevens after being frozen out of the side by Eddie Jones following the 2023 World Cup.

But Hooper has decided to immediately step down from playing for his country after failing to gain a spot in Australia’s sevens team for the Olympics in July.

“What a ride! My Olympic journey has come to an end, and with it, my Australian rugby career,” Hooper said in a statement on Instagram.

“To the Aussie Sevens team, I wish you all the best, you’ve been an awesome, helpful, and talented group of athletes to be part of.”

Hooper added his “incredible journey” with Australia had been “filled with unforgettable experiences, challenges and memories”.

Hooper made his Test debut in 2012 against Scotland, at the age of 20.

He became Australia’s youngest ever captain in 2014, aged 23, and helped guide the Wallabies to the Rugby Championship a year later.

Hooper was part of the team that finished runners-up to New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup.