Hooper extends Exeter contract before Australia return

Hooper extends Exeter contract before Australia returnImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tom Hooper has been a key part of Exeter's successful squad this seasonByBrent PilnickBBC Sport EnglandPublished16 minutes agoAustralia flanker Tom Hooper has extended his contract at Exeter until the summer of 2028, but will then return to Australia.Under the deal, the 25-year-old will join the Queensland Reds before the start of the 2029 Super Rugby Pacific season. The deal will keep him in his homeland until 2030. Hooper has enjoyed an impressive first season in England, helping the Chiefs reach the Prem final after finishing third in the league.He was also part of the side that reached the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup, where Exeter were beaten at Ulster.Hooper was already contracted to the Sandy Park club until the end of the 2026-27 season, but told BBC Sport in March that he was open to staying longer."I'm really happy to have my long-term future secured with a move back to Australia in the not-too-distant future,” Hooper said. "I'm thoroughly enjoying my time in Exeter and am focused on continuing to improve my game there before returning to Australia and linking up with Queensland."In the short-term, my priority is to continue working hard with the Wallabies where I'm incredibly hungry to contribute on and off the field as we continue to build our game as a group."Exeter Chiefs sign Wallabies back row HooperPublished14 January 2025Australia's Hooper open to extending Exeter stayPublished26 MarchHooper moved to Exeter from Canberra-based Super Rugby Pacific side ACT Brumbies after the conclusion of last summer's Rugby Championship, alongside compatriot Len Ikitau. While Ikitau has returned home to Australia ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup, Hooper's new deal underlines the confidence he has to be picked for the Wallabies despite playing in Europe. But it also ensures that he commits himself...