The Brumbies have announced Tom Hooper has re-signed with the club until the end of 2024 after a breakout second season in ACT colours.
Bathurst born and a product of the Brumbies pathways program, Hooper (21) made his Super Rugby debut against the Crusaders in 2021 and has gone on to make 15 appearances for the Brumbies to date, including four starts.
Comfortable at lock and on the blindside, Hooper honed his craft locally with the Tuggeranong Vikings before joining the Brumbies Super Rugby last year, and was previously part of the Australian Schools and U18s side that went undefeated in New Zealand in 2019.
Hooper said the Brumbies was the best place for him to continue to improve.
“I’m over the moon to be sticking around in Canberra with the Brumbies,” he said.
“Coming down to the club and to Vikings was the best decision I’ve ever made and I’ve truly loved every minute of it and on top of that, the Brumbies is the best place for me to develop my game so it was an easy decision to stay.
“Coming into HQ with a good bunch of boys who also happen to be world class players just makes you want to get better and better and after ticking off a few goals, I’m excited to continue working hard in any role for the team.”
Hooper’s retention means the majority of the Brumbies second row and backrow options are confirmed to return for the 2023 season.
Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said Hooper’s work ethic will hold him in good stead at the club.
“It’s fantastic for the Brumbies to have Hoops re-commit to the club.”
“At a young age, his professionalism and commitment to nailing detail is really impressive, and I think over the past 12 months that has really shown in his performances on the field and in training.
“You always want to see guys like that succeed and I believe as Hoops matures and gets more and more minutes at this level, that work ethic will turn him into an even more important player for the Brumbies so it’s a really important retention for the club.”
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