Wallabies legend Michael Hooper will take his first big step towards the Paris Olympics when he makes his Australian rugby sevens debut in Hong Kong next weekend.
The long-time Australia captain has been named in the 13-man squad and will play his first game against powerhouses Fiji since an injury-hit start to his new career.
Hooper, who played in 125 games for the Wallabies and was a four-time John Ills Medalist, joined the Australian men’s sevens national team in November last year, but his debut was delayed due to an Achilles tendon injury.
He ended his illustrious career in the 15-man game before switching to the seven-man side, which ended prematurely due to a calf injury that prevented then Wallabies coach Eddie Jones from selecting him for their disastrous World Cup campaign in France.
Coach John Manenti was excited to finally meet Hooper, who would be an important stepping stone toward a possible Paris Olympics appearance.
“I’m really excited to return to Hong Kong following our recent success,” said Manenti.
“Our performances in LA were some of our best this season and we have a chance to be even better again next week.
“We welcome Maurice Longbottom, who will rejuvenate our midfield. We will see Michael Hooper in the Australian number 7 jersey for the first time.
“The ‘Hoops’ have worked hard to add to the squad and we are all delighted to have a ‘newcomer’ joining the squad.
“Like any new athlete, it will be a learning experience for him and an important starting point for a potential Paris Olympics.
“All pools are tough and ours is no exception. Fiji played first and then LA winners France started his first day of play. “We must do our best.”
Australian athletes won silver medals in Cape Town and Perth earlier this season before competing in fierce competition in Vancouver and Los Angeles.
