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.