Michael Hooper drops World Cup bombshell after being controversially left out of Eddie Jones’ Wallabies squad

Michael Hooper still has hopes of competing in the Rugby World Cup despite his shock retirement from the Wallabies squad.

Hooper, 31, was overlooked by coach Eddie Jones during his side’s campaign in France, with the ditched former skipper admitting he had gone through a ‘grieving period’ following his absence.

Jones was unconvinced by Hooper’s fitness status heading into the tournament, with the 125-Test star suffering a calf problem, while the former England coach is looking for blood for the next generation ahead of the 2027 tournament in Australia.

Hooper will be part of Stan Sport’s coverage of the 2023 league, but is still hoping for a late call-up and is willing to be a substitute player.

“This is my last year of my contract, (and the World Cup) really would have been a pinnacle of where my career would be, ending at that point,” Hooper told WSFM.

Anyway, I’ve been on the right side of the stick a lot with selection and involvement with teams, and that wasn’t to be the case this time.

“I’ve had the whole grieving period and came out the other side, and now it’s going to be exciting to see how everything starts and how to keep fit in secret. So you know, if there’s a chance, I might be there.’

Hooper added that his calf injury is no longer an issue and he is ready and available when Jones calls – though he is comfortable with the reality that he may not be needed.

“There have been significant changes, but he has a plan and he is executing that plan,” he said. “I respect that he goes after these decisions and makes some big choices, that’s his job as a coach.

“He’s putting together a team to do what he wants to do and that needs to be supported by all Wallabies.”

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