Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is set to move to Japan next year after he was forced to take a pay-cut by the NSW Waratahs.
The 28-year-old is in the middle of of a three-year contract worth £572,000 per season, but will activate his release as part of the recent emergency pay deal.
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper to join Top League in 2021, will not play for Waratahs https://t.co/azR3ze6tqh
— Georgina Robinson (@geerob) August 26, 2020
He will not play for the Waratahs next year but will be available for Test duties as the Top League season is set to run in parallel with Super Rugby, a source told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The flanker will be happy about that as he’s currently stuck on 99 caps since making his debut in 2012.
Considered one of the world’s best flankers, Hooper hit international headlines as he mastered the field alongside revered teammate David Pocock on the Rugby World Cup stage in 2015.
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5 England U20 stars who’ll represent other nations when rugby returns
1. Gabriel Ibitoye (France)
Place of birth: London
The French press has claimed that England U20 star could be set to swap white for blue after departing Harlequins for Agen. The 22-year-old, who they believe has a French relative, is reportedly open to representing Les Bleus after having a conversation with France head coach Fabien Galthié.
