Overview
- Rugby Australia confirmed on Wednesday that Tom Hooper has signed a two‑year deal with the Queensland Reds that begins in 2029 and places him on the Reds' books from late 2028.
- Hooper has extended his contract with Exeter through the end of 2028, meaning he will complete two more seasons in England before returning to Australia.
- The 25‑year‑old suffered a shoulder injury during Australia’s 33‑31 loss to Ireland and has been ruled out of the upcoming Nations Championship Tests against France and Italy.
- Reds football boss Sam Cordingley called the signing a recruitment 'carrot' and said Hooper gives the club a high‑profile player to centre longer‑term squad planning around.
- Exeter and Wallabies staff are discussing rest and rehab plans to protect Hooper’s long‑term availability, an important step given his heavy club and international workload and the Wallabies’ current run of poor results.