Wallabies legend Michael Hooper will take his first large steps in the direction of the Paris Olympics when he makes his rugby sevens debut for Australia in Hong Kong subsequent weekend.
The former long-serving Australian captain has been named in a 13-man squad and, after an injury-delayed begin to his new profession, will play his first match towards powerhouse outfit Fiji.
Hooper, a four-time John Eales medallist who performed 125 time for Wallabies, joined the Australian males’s sevens crew final November, however his debut was delayed after struggling an achilles damage.
He swapped to sevens after bringing an finish to his illustrious profession within the 15-man sport, a time ended prematurely by a calf damage that prevented then Wallabies coach Eddie Jones choosing him for what turned out to be a disastrous World Cup marketing campaign in France.
Coach John Manenti was excited to lastly get to see Hooper in what’s a significant stepping stone in the direction of potential choice for the Paris Olympics.
“We’re really excited about heading back to Hong Kong, where we have had some recent success,” Manenti mentioned.
“Our performances in LA were some of our best this season and we have the opportunity be better again next week.
“We welcome back Maurice Longbottom, who will add some spark in the midfield and for the first time we’ll get to see Michael Hooper in an Australian sevens jersey.
“‘Hoops’ has worked hard to make his way into the squad, and we’re all delighted to welcome the ‘rookie’ into the mix.
“Like any new player, it will be a learning experience for him, and an important start point to a potential Paris Olympics.
“Every pool is tough and ours is no exception with Fiji first-up and then LA winners France to kick off day one action. We’ll need to be at our best.”
The Aussie males claimed silver in Cape Town and Perth earlier this season earlier than hard-fought performances in Vancouver and Los Angeles.
Source: www.foxsports.com.au