Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds are pleased to announce that Wallabies back rower Tom Hooper has officially committed his long-term future to Australian Rugby, signing a new agreement that will see him join the Queensland Reds ahead of the 2029 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 23-Test international, who currently plays in England’s Premiership competition with Exeter, has put pen to paper on a contract that secures his return to home soil through to the end of 2030.
Hooper’s signature is a strong endorsement for Australian Rugby with the 25-year-old versatile forward emerging as one of the players to watch in international rugby.
After a standout 2025 international campaign that featured a Player of the Match performance during the Wallabies’ 22-12 third Test victory against the British & Irish Lions, Hooper’s long-term commitment is a massive positive for supporters of Australian Rugby.
Hooper was recently named in the Premiership Team of the Season after helping Exeter to the final and while he will fulfill his current commitments in the UK for the next two seasons – his impending arrival in Queensland in 2029 will be welcome addition to the Reds’ squad.
Born in Bathurst, Hooper’s journey has taken him from a Bathurst Bulldogs junior to a Super Rugby debut with the Brumbies before being selected in the 2023 Rugby World Cup where he played every single minute for Australia.
Hooper will return to Australian Rugby in mid-2028, at the conclusion of his current deal with Exeter.
Wallaby number 964, Tom Hooper said: “I’m really happy to have my long-term future secured with a move back to Australia in the not-too-distant future.
“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.”
Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance Peter Horne said: “Tom’s return to Australian Rugby is a real coup for all supporters of the game in this country.
“He’s someone who works incredibly hard on his craft and has already shown the impact he can have at the highest level.”
Reds General Manager, High Performance, Sam Cordingley said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Reds. While it will be a few years before we see him in a Reds jersey, he’s another world-class player we can build our squad around.
“In planning for the future, we’re confident Tom’s decision to join the Reds will be a catalyst for retaining and recruiting players over the next few years.”
Position: Lock and back row
Height: 199cm
Weight: 124kg
Born: 29/01/2001
Place of birth: Bathurst, New South Wales
Test debut: 2023 v South Africa in Pretoria
Wallaby number: 964
Test caps: 23
Super Rugby Pacific Club: Queensland Reds
Super Rugby Pacific debut: 2021 v Crusaders in Christchurch
Super Rugby Pacific caps: 53 (ACT Brumbies)
First Rugby Club: Bathurst Bulldogs
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