Tom Hooper: Exeter's Australian Flanker on Premier League and World Cup Aspirations
In just a short time with Tom Hooper, one can easily sense the joy he is experiencing in his inaugural season at Exeter Chiefs.
The 24-year-old flanker from Australia stands out as one of the significant summer acquisitions for the Premiership club—an exciting addition that head coach Rob Baxter has brought in to enhance a squad that previously underperformed relative to its potential last season.
Alongside his fellow Australian teammate Len Ikitau, and the Italian duo Stephen Varney and Andrea Zambonin, Hooper joins a roster eager for international talent, complementing existing players like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Greg Fisilau, and Henry Slade.
"Stepping into this environment has been incredibly smooth for me," Hooper shared with BBC Sport ahead of Exeter's final European Challenge Cup pool match against Cardiff Blues. "It feels like I'm back with my friends. This place has a homely feel to it, which is really special. As you've noticed, we have a fantastic group, and we are achieving a lot together on the pitch."
The legacy of Australian players at Sandy Park is impressive and well-established. Notable names such as Dean Mumm, Dave Dennis, Greg Holmes, Lachie Turner, and Nic White have all made their mark in Devon. Additionally, Scott Sio, a former Australian international now representing Samoa, was there to give Hooper valuable insights during his fourth season at Exeter, while scrum-half Nic White, who spent two and a half seasons with the Chiefs, was another source of essential advice.
"Nic always spoke highly of this place," Hooper recalled, having first played alongside White as a teenager with the Brumbies in Super Rugby back in 2021. "So, it was always on my wish list to play here at some point. I didn't anticipate it would happen so early in my career, but I feel fortunate that they pursued me, and once everything aligned, the decision was pretty straightforward."
Now that he’s settled in England, Hooper is acclimating to the fiercely competitive nature of the Premiership Rugby season. As it stands, Exeter is positioned third midway through the season, boasting a win record that is 50% higher than their entire total from the previous season, where they found themselves near the bottom of the table.
"I knew this league was exceptional, and I wanted to improve both individually and as a rugby player," he stated. "Being here, it’s not just about the intensity of the games; it's also about the challenges outside of the matches, like enhancing my athletic performance in the gym and on the training field. It’s been fantastic. I admire how everyone approaches their work here, whether it’s us or our competitors. I’m thriving on the standards that this competition demands of me."
That elevated standard has led Hooper to become a key player in Australia's back row. He was a starter in all six of his nation’s matches during last year’s Rugby Championship and participated in two Tests against the British and Irish Lions, where he made his starting debut in the pivotal third Test victory in Sydney.
However, his prominence on the Australian team could pose a challenge for Exeter fans. The Wallabies tend to favor selecting players who compete domestically in Australia over those playing abroad if their skills are deemed comparable. This policy could mean that Hooper may need to depart Sandy Park if he hopes to secure a spot in the squad for the upcoming home World Cup in 2027.
"I’ve always believed that every situation has its positives, and right now, I'm fully embracing this opportunity at Exeter," Hooper added, expressing gratitude for the support he has received from the coaching staff regarding his international goals. "If that leads to a longer stay here, then that’s great. If I end up heading back home, that too is a positive, as it brings me closer to my family.
"I felt I had reached a ceiling in Australia; I wanted to immerse myself in a new competition and face different opponents and coaching styles. I've achieved that, and it’s moving in a positive direction for me. I can’t see myself leaving unless there’s another opportunity for personal growth, so for now, I’m quite content with my choice. I truly enjoy being here, but I also recognize that returning to Australia might be the best option for me down the line."
Regardless of how long Hooper remains at Exeter, his primary goal is to win. The Chiefs are demonstrating strong performances in the Premiership, achieving victories in notoriously challenging venues like Saracens and Sale this season, while suffering only two narrow defeats against Bath and Bristol.
After four consecutive seasons without playoff qualifications—having previously finished first or second in six prior campaigns—Exeter appears poised to return to its former glory, and Hooper has set his sights on capturing titles. "If we can reach those crucial matches—the finals of the Challenge Cup, the Prem Cup, and the Premiership—and perform at a high level, giving everything we have, then I believe we can finish the season with our heads held high.
"I genuinely think we have the talent within this group; if we commit ourselves fully, we will walk away with plenty of silverware. That’s all we can ask for. What’s remarkable about this group is that every player puts in effort for one another week after week, and if we can conclude the season completely spent, having emptied every ounce of energy, I think we will take great pride in our achievements."
