Wallabies icon Michael Hooper has announced his immediate retirement from Australian rugby.
The 32-year-old flanker, a member of the Australia Men's Sevens team, was striving to secure a spot in this summer's Paris Olympics.
However, following their unsuccessful qualification attempt, Rugby Australia has announced the flanker’s retirement.
“What a ride!" Hooper said on Instagram. "My Olympic journey has come to an end, and with it, my Australian Rugby career. To the Aussie Sevens team, I wish you all the best you’ve been an awesome, helpful, and talented group of athletes to be part of."
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “Michael has been an incredible player and ambassador for our sport.
“He leaves a legacy that will remember him as one of the greatest to wear the Wallaby gold and a favourite among Australian supporters.
“Michael’s incredibly well respected here and around the world, and on behalf of Rugby Australia, I want to wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Louis Rees-Zammit’s dating history includes Premier League legends daughter and famous YouTuber
Six months have passed since Louis Rees-Zammit swapped the rugby pitch for the gridiron, chasing his NFL dream with the Kansas City Chiefs. The journey has been nothing short of exhilarating for the Welsh sensation.
After an intensive 10-week training program, Rees-Zammit signed with the Chiefs and is now eyeing a spot on the final 53-man roster. His rise in the sporting world has been meteoric, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.
But it's not just his professional life making headlines. Rees-Zammit's personal life has also been a hot topic, featuring relationships with high-profile personalities, from a Premier League legend's daughter to a famous YouTuber and a notable model/DJ.
Alicia Scholes
In December 2019, before his international debut for Wales, Rees-Zammit posted a photo of himself playing for Gloucester. Alicia Scholes, daughter of football legend Paul Scholes, humorously suggested an England debut was imminent, despite Rees-Zammit’s Welsh roots. He firmly replied, "Wales*".
In a BBC interview, Rees-Zammit spoke about his past relationship with Alicia, a professional netball player for London Pulse. He revealed the light-hearted attempts by her father to sway him towards England, which he steadfastly resisted.
Alicia and her father Paul found themselves in the spotlight in 2021 due to a viral video that led to playful banter among rival supporters.
Saffron Barker
Following his NFL trial day, Rees-Zammit ended his relationship with influencer Saffron Barker. The couple had gone public after the Rugby World Cup, but their relationship faced challenges with his move to the US.
Saffron addressed the breakup on social media, expressing gratitude for the support from her fans and hinting at a positive future.
She wrote to her fans: "Hi everyone. I have so much exciting news to update you on, and I promise to keep you all posted on that."
"For now though I wanted to address some of the questions re my relationship. Whilst I won't be going into any detail, I am no longer in a relationship. I am fully focused on my well-being, wonderful family, & career," she further commented. Saffron continued in the recent post:
"I want to thank all of the incredible people who have sent me messages of love & strength over the past few weeks. I have read every single one & I can't tell you how much it has meant to me."
Saffron - who has more than two million subscribers on her YouTube channel - concluded by writing: "I know good things come to good people so I hold onto the hope that 2024 is going to be a positive year for me. Lots of love."
Xandra Pohl
Recently single, Rees-Zammit has been spotted with Sports Illustrated model and TikTok sensation Xandra Pohl. The pair were seen enjoying a day out at Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, sparking rumors of a new romance.
Xandra, a successful DJ who has played at high-profile venues including Ushuaia Ibiza, is set to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago this summer.
Alongside his new relationship, Rees-Zammit has also been embracing the Kansas City lifestyle, attending Travis Kelce's 'Kelce Jam' festival and sporting a new ear piercing.
As Louis Rees-Zammit continues to make waves both on and off the field, his journey in the NFL is one to watch closely.
