Anna 
Michael Hooper, former Wallabies captain, is set to return to 15-a-side rugby on Saturday as his team, Verblitz, takes on the Kobe Steelers in Japan’s Rugby League One. It will be his first appearance in a 15-a-side match in 18 months.
Hooper, who was controversially left out of Eddie Jones’ 2023 World Cup squad, has not been linked to a return with the Wallabies. However, Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh recently hinted that Hooper could be considered for the trans-Tasman XV to face the Lions in a July 12 tour game.
“I haven’t spoken to Hoops, but I imagine if he was available, he’d be a strong option given his vast experience and profile,” Waugh told the Sydney Morning Herald in January.
After a brief stint in rugby sevens, Hooper had taken up TV punditry but announced his retirement from international rugby in 2024. The 33-year-old is now returning to action with Verblitz, a team he played for during his sabbatical in 2021.
Ironically, Hooper’s return comes against the Kobe Steelers, a team coached by Dave Rennie, who led Hooper as Wallabies coach from 2020.
Hooper, who captained Australia in a record 69 Tests, had 125 appearances for the Wallabies between 2012 and 2023. He joins Verblitz at a crucial time, replacing the injured South African Pieter Steph du Toit as the team’s third overseas international. Verblitz has struggled this season, sitting 10th in the 12-team league with only one win. With the season nearing its halfway point, Hooper will need to make an immediate impact to help turn things around.
Verblitz’s coaching team includes former All Blacks coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster.
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