Not Quite a Fairytale Farewell: Michael Hooper Explains His Decision to Decline Lions Match

Former Wallabies star Michael Hooper has shed light on his decision to decline a farewell match against the British and Irish Lions.

Hooper was a key target for Rugby Australia’s AUNZ Invitational XV, set to take on the Lions at Adelaide Oval on July 12.

However, the 33-year-old Test centurion graciously turned down the opportunity after completing his stint with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.

“I’ve faced the Lions before,” Hooper shared on Stan Sport’s Inside Line program on Wednesday.

“Considering they’re a week away from a three-match Test series… they will likely have a fully fit starting team eager to take on the Wallabies shortly after, well-prepared and seasoned from their games.”

“Looking at my situation, I realised I’ve had a wonderful experience in Japan. They serve an excellent Asahi and make a delightful rice ball at the local ‘conveni’ (convenience store).

“I’m about eight to ten weeks removed from serious competition, and not in a Test context. So I would have had to return home now, train alone, and potentially seek a game with Manly, which would have been great too. But facing those players with a team assembled for just a week seemed daunting.”

“As a younger player, say two to six years ago, I would have jumped at the chance. But as I approach 34, my brief return, it didn’t feel like the storybook ending I might’ve once hoped for. Not that I was ever chasing a storybook finale. Therefore, it was a straightforward choice.”

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Hooper last represented the Wallabies in 2023 before being unceremoniously dropped by Eddie Jones ahead of the challenging Rugby World Cup.

He subsequently aimed to compete in sevens for Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics but was thwarted by injuries.

Meanwhile, reigning John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini is seriously contemplating taking a sabbatical to experience a club season in France next year instead of playing for the Brumbies.

“It’s part of my contract, like a refresher, to embrace new surroundings – a different culture and team vibe – and to explore what else is out there,” Valetini remarked to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“The Top 14 has always been a prestigious competition, and playing there would be fantastic, along with the chance to travel and see some remarkable cities and compete in stunning venues as well.”

Nic White (Force), Billy Pollard (Brumbies), and Joey Walton (Waratahs) have all re-signed with their respective clubs as of Wednesday.