Michael Hooper Comes Out of Retirement to Join Toyota Verblitz

Michael Hooper, a former captain of the Australian rugby team, has announced his return to the sport by joining the injury-stricken Toyota Verblitz for the remainder of the Japan Rugby League One season. The club made this announcement on Monday, highlighting Hooper's pivotal role in bolstering their squad amid a series of player injuries.

The 33-year-old flanker responded to an urgent request from Toyota's head coach, Steve Hansen, who is eager to turn around the team's fortunes following the absence of South African rugby star Pieter-Steph du Toit due to injury. Hooper, a seasoned player with 125 test caps for Australia, previously played for Toyota in 2021 during the Top League era, after having led his national team as captain in the 2019 Rugby World Cup held in Japan.

Hooper's last appearance in a test match was in 2023. He was subsequently dropped from the national team by former coach Eddie Jones, who has since taken over as the coach of the Japan national team. In a statement released by Toyota, Hooper expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to a club where he has fond memories and conveyed his enthusiasm about contributing to the team's success.

The Toyota Verblitz squad, which also features notable players such as former New Zealand scrumhalf Aaron Smith, has faced challenges this season, currently holding a record of one win, one draw, and three losses, placing them ninth in the league standings out of twelve teams.

The absence of du Toit, the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, has significantly impacted the team's performance. His injury, which occurred before the League One season commenced in December, has left a notable gap in the squad. With Hooper's experience and leadership, the team hopes to improve its performance in the upcoming matches and push for a better standing in the league.

The addition of Hooper is seen as a strategic move by Toyota Verblitz, aiming to enhance their competitive edge in the league. As the team navigates through this challenging season, the expectations for Hooper's impact will be high, not only in terms of skill but also in providing mentorship to younger players within the squad.

As the rugby season progresses, all eyes will be on Toyota Verblitz to see how the inclusion of a player of Hooper's caliber changes their trajectory in the league. Fans and analysts alike are keen to witness the potential resurgence of a team that has struggled to find its rhythm this season.