“Open book” Michael Hooper hints at retirement after admitting he may not be with the Waratahs next season.
The veteran confirms the news amidst a hoard of re-signings being made by Rugby Australia at the moment, with several stars committing their future.
“Ambiguity in my mind”
Hooper admits he does not know his next plan as his mind is filled with “ambiguity” – a position he does not mind being in.
“They [Waratahs fans] are probably right [to think this is the last year],” Hooper told reporters.
“There’s a bit of ambiguity in the air [and] ambiguity in my mind. I’ve not got anything lined up for next year. I’ve been in a contract for a long time … since the end of 2009. Aside from that [stint in Japan in 2021], it’s all been in Australia.
“I don’t know what the next thing is going to look like. It’s a nice position to be in. That might be playing, that might not be playing, that might be having time off. I’m a completely open book. Or I’ll just hang them up.”
The most capped Wallabies captain is open to pushing for a spot in Australia’s rugby sevens side for next year’s Olympics in Paris, as reported by the Herald last year.
However, Hooper is preparing for any eventuality with the 2025 British and Irish Lions on the horizon as well.
“You’ve got to be prepared that it might not work out, so I’m prepared that something might not pop up,” Hooper said.
“There are some good things on next year, not only here … so I’m keeping my keep my mind open.
“There’s an Olympics. There’s rugby league. Nah, I’m joking … I couldn’t do that.”
Focus is on the now
Hooper is uncertain of what could happen going forward, suggesting that results going forward do not necessarily have a bearing on his future. He is just focused on what is ahead.
“I’ll never know until I get there,” Hooper said. “I could go ‘how good’s this, let’s keep going’. Ride the ride while you’re doing well.
“It’ll come around before we know it. So in terms of getting guys aligned, it’s pretty straightforward. There’s a World Cup on the line, and you may only get one of those in your career. So the time is now.”
The Test centurion claims his game is not where it should be but insists he is working hard to get back to his best and help the Waratahs out of their poor position on the Super Rugby Pacific table.
“In a romantic sense, [hopefully] I can play my best game of rugby on the 28th of October come the World Cup final. That’s where you want to be,” Hooper said.
“I don’t think I’m playing my best rugby. I think I’ve still got a lot more to give to this team and what I’m capable of. I’m chasing that. It’s not through a lack of effort, I’ve just got to find where I fit and really contribute to this team well.”
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The article Michael Hooper: Wallabies great hints at retirement after the World Cup appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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