Wallabies captain Michael Hooper seals shock Japan move
August 26, 2020 10:25pm
ZAC RAYSON
Source: FOX SPORTS
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has accepted a shock move to Japan to play with Toyota Verblitz.
Hooper has inked a six-month deal for the first half of 2021, after which he will return to the NSW Waratahs – and the Wallabies.
Former Waratahs assistant coach Simon Cron is now the head coach at Toyota, while former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is the club’s director of rugby.
“This is a great opportunity for me to learn in a new rugby environment and develop a different perspective on the game,” Hooper said.
“I’m really excited in the direction of rugby in Australia both at a Super Rugby level and at the Wallabies too under Dave (Rennie).
“The Super Rugby AU competition this year has unearthed some really good young talent and they are all keeping me on my toes.”
The Aussie flanker copped a massive pay-cut as Rugby Australia was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with Hooper sacrificing approximately two-third of his estimated $1.2 million-per-year salary.
Under that pay deal, Rugby Australia offered star players the opportunity to spend six months overseas – or out of the game.
It’s a lucrative opportunity that Hooper has now taken advantage of, while fellow Wallabies Matt To’omua and Dane Haylett-Petty have also ben linked to sabbatical deals in Japan next year.
He will miss most – if not all – of the 2021 Super Rugby season for the Waratahs, but will be available for the Wallabies if any Tests can be organised in the final few months of this year.
