Australian · Sydney, Australia · Born 3 June 1989Australia's most capped player and one of the world's finest openside flankers, whose extraordinary work rate, breakdown excellence and leadership have made him a cornerstone of Wallabies rugby for over a decade.
Michael Hooper was Australia's inspirational openside flanker and one of the world's finest breakdown specialists. The most-capped Wallaby at his position, Hooper's exceptional work rate, leadership, and technical excellence at the breakdown made him central to Australian rugby for a decade. Despite the Wallabies' difficult period, his individual performances were consistently world-class. Hooper stepped back from the Wallabies captaincy in 2022 after leading the side in a national-record 59 Tests, before a short-lived comeback attempt in 2023, and remained one of Super Rugby's most durable performers with the Waratahs throughout a career built on relentless breakdown work.
Leading the Wallabies as captain for over 70 Test matches, making him one of the most successful captains in Australian rugby history.
How They Played
Hooper was renowned for his incredible fitness levels and relentless work rate on the field. As an openside flanker, he excelled at the breakdown, consistently winning turnovers and slowing down opposition ball. His exceptional speed and agility allowed him to cover ground quickly and support both attack and defense.
Lasting Impact
Hooper redefined the modern openside flanker position with his athleticism and endurance. His leadership and consistency helped establish him as one of Australia's greatest ever back-row forwards.
Career Honours
- Super Rugby Champion 2014 (NSW Waratahs)
- John Eales Medal 2013 (Australian Rugby Union Player of the Year)
- John Eales Medal 2015 (Australian Rugby Union Player of the Year)
- John Eales Medal 2016 (Australian Rugby Union Player of the Year)
- John Eales Medal 2018 (Australian Rugby Union Player of the Year)
- Rugby Championship Winner 2015 (Australia)
- Australian Wallabies Rugby World Cup Runner-Up 2015
- World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year 2013
- Super Rugby Top Try Scorer 2013
- Wallabies Player of the Year 2013
- Wallabies Player of the Year 2015
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Waratahs | 2010–2023 | 141 | 0 | #7 |
 Australia | — | 125 | — | — |
Australian Athletes