Tom Hooper targets titles after extending Exeter deal before Australia return

Hooper has won 23 caps for Australia and become one of their brightest hopes with a home World Cup to come in 2027.

Having begun his career at the Brumbies he moved to Exeter following last year’s Rugby Championship as the Devon side looked to rebuild following their worst-ever top flight season.

He joined along with fellow Wallabies star Len Ikitau – who is returning to Australia after a one-season stint at Exeter – and Italy internationals Stephen Varney and Andrea Zambonin.

They helped inspire the Chiefs to a third-placed finish in the Prem before a dramatic semi-final win at champions Bath.

Hooper says he will return to Australia as a better player having learnt from his stint at Exeter.

“When I went to Brumbies I learnt plenty off Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper, and they were the guys that I’ll cherish playing with them in a Brumbies jersey for as long as I play.

“It’s a similar experience going over there, working with guys younger than me but Dafydd Jenkins, he’s a really inspirational leader.

“Playing with guys like Henry Slade, Jack Yeandle, I’ve learnt plenty off them about leadership qualities, about how much they’ve got kids and families and they completely buy into the team culture.

“Also the professionalism, the extras they do after training, they just live in the gym, whether that’s because the rain’s coming in sideways or because they actually want to be in there, but they’re always in the gym.

“I’ve just jumped on the back of that and worked really hard and I’ve felt like I’ve become more of an athlete because of that.

“It’s a special group. I certainly have grown as a rugby player and I think I’ve grown as an individual as well.”