Exeter Chiefs continues a long tradition of hosting Australian rugby players who have found a spiritual home in the south-west of England. From Dean Mumm and Nic White to Greg Holmes and Len Ikitau, the list of Wallabies who have relished the experience is illustrious. Rob Baxter, Exeter's director of rugby, notes that these players seem to enjoy the local pasties and cider, though he suggests a deeper connection exists. Baxter theorizes that Exeter and Devon resemble Australia more than any other part of England, offering open spaces and an old-school club environment that appeals to Australian athletes.
Tom Hooper, the club's current resident Wallaby, appears to be the latest player to embrace this lifestyle. Hailing from a cattle farming background in rural New South Wales near Bathurst, the 25-year-old forward describes himself as a country boy through and through. While he prefers Guinness over cider, his childhood was defined by rugby club sausage sizzles with his younger brother. Hooper admits that any initial concerns about joining an international squad were quickly dispelled upon arrival a year ago. He found the players to be humble and welcoming rather than arrogant, and he has adjusted well to the British weather, noting that the difficult months are limited.
Despite his Australian accent, Hooper reveals a Cornish family heritage dating back generations before migration. He has enjoyed exploring Dartmoor's tors and the coastline, even taking up free diving with teammates, though he keeps his specific spots secret. Contrary to expectations of living in an isolated thatched cottage, Hooper resides in the center of town under the care of a landlord he affectionately calls Granddad.
Hooper remains focused on rugby, having accumulated significant playing time across both hemispheres despite recent challenges. A fractured shoulder blade suffered against Ireland last July required rehabilitation, which Hooper views as a blessing in disguise. The downtime allowed him to strengthen his body and prepare for his move to Exeter. Reflecting on his workload, he recalls that even at age 12, he would have been content playing 30 games a year professionally. He maintains that sometimes players must simply endure pain and push through it.
The 125kg forward has earned 25 caps for the Wallabies and felt the sting of missing recent matches against New Zealand due to injury. Watching the game from the breakfast room at Sandy Park, he was visibly frustrated by the score. Despite this setback, Hooper is adamant that Australia can be a major threat when hosting next year's Rugby World Cup. He believes the squad looks strong on paper and emphasizes the need for individual work rates and team cohesion. He highlights the strength of the Wallaby back row and the electric potential of the wide players if they can secure front-foot ball.
Hooper also respects England's squad depth, drawing parallels between the two nations' capabilities when fully fit. He particularly praises Tom Curry's underrated off-ball work and relies on his friend Josh Kemeny at Northampton for insights into players like Henry Pollock. Looking ahead, Hooper is excited to face England in an upcoming match. His younger brother Lachie, a 22-year-old highly rated prospect, may also join the English scene one day, with Tom predicting he will surpass him.
Both brothers aspire to be positive role models for country kids, values instilled during their upbringing in rural Australia. Hooper often donates his boots to young players from the countryside after games. His life has been deeply intertwined with rugby; his parents met on a field, his father coached them through juniors, and he even met his partner while she played for the Brumbies' women's team. Grateful for what the sport has given him, Hooper feels a duty to give back to his team and future generations.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.