TomHooper

Chiefs kicked off their 2025/26 season recruitment on strong footing with the signing of Wallabies back-row, Tom Hooper.

Heralded in Australia as an emerging firepower in the Wallabies set up, Hooper has accumulated 23 appearances for his country and over 40 appearances for his Super Rugby side, ACT Brumbies.

With his move to Devon, Hooper joined the esteemed company of Scott Sio and Tamati Tua in becoming a former Brumby pulling on Exeter Chiefs colours.

The Sydney-born player, who is described by many in the Wallabies set up as fiercely competitive, made his Super Rugby debut in 2021 against the Crusaders having had his opportunity to play at that year’s U20 Junior World Championship curtailed by COVID-19.

Hooper fell under the spotlight of the Australian coaches’ interest in 2022 with some confident and physical performances for an injury-struck Brumbies squad. Disappointingly, he was injured himself in a quarter final appearance but Michael Cheika – a Wallabies Coach at the time – was already intrigued.

By the time Hooper rehabbed his injury, Eddie Jones was the man in charge and ultimately gave the combative forward his test debut in The Rugby Championship in July 2023. Just months later, the youngster was also named in the Wallabies 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.

Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter secured the services of the Australian having deemed him an exciting prospect still with years of development and experience ahead of him.

Hooper almost immediately became a fan-favourite in Devon as he soared to 23 appearances in his first season, assisting a try in Chiefs’ EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final and starting the 2026 Gallagher PREM Final.