sport news Michael Hooper stands down from Tests against Argentina over mindset concerns trends now

View
comments

Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper won't play in the Rugby Championship opener against Argentina and will return home due to personal reasons.

However, while the development may shock some rugby fans, the signs have been ominous for some time.

In an interview back in May, the 121-test veteran acknowledged his time on the international stage may be up soon - and that he is unlikely to feature in the Rugby World Cup in 2027 on Australian soil.

'I will be in the stands with a beer in hand,' the 30-year-old said. 'How good will that be, to experience it on the other side of the fence.

'I'd also hope there's a (number) seven that's pushing me well out of it by that point.'