Tom Hooper Faces Injury Concern Before Wallabies Tour
The 25-year-old forward underwent medical scans after re-injuring his shoulder while playing for Exeter in the English Premiership.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Other Sports
Live Poll
Should national teams depend on players who maintain separate commitments to international club sides?
Wallabies forward Tom Hooper has suffered a re-occurrence of a right shoulder injury while competing for his English club, Exeter. The injury creates uncertainty for his availability during the upcoming four-Test tour that begins on 9 November.
Why it matters
Hooper is at risk of missing the entire November tour if scans reveal a recurring hairline fracture of the scapula similar to the one he sustained in July. His potential absence forces Wallabies coaching staff to finalise contingency plans for the roster.
Tom Hooper, 25, previously missed four Tests after being sidelined for seven weeks following his initial injury in July. The Wallabies are also considering 27-year-old Josh Kemeny, who has two Test caps, alongside Nick Champion de Crespigny, who has six.
The players
Tom Hooper
He is a 25-year-old rugby forward currently playing for the Exeter club in the English Premiership.
Nick Champion de Crespigny
He is a professional rugby player with six Test caps currently on stand-by as a potential replacement for the squad.
Josh Kemeny
He is a 27-year-old rugby player with two Test appearances who is under consideration for the touring squad.
The details
Hooper sustained the blow to his shoulder during the first half of a match against Bristol on 26 October. Wallabies coaching staff are now actively identifying replacement options as they prepare to begin training in London next week.
Timeline
July 2026: Hooper suffered the initial shoulder fracture against Ireland.
October 2026: Hooper missed the Bledisloe series.
26 October 2026: Hooper re-injured his shoulder playing for Exeter and underwent medical scans.
9 November 2026: Opening Test of the Wallabies tour.
Season Trajectory
Hooper’s health status directly impacts the Wallabies roster depth as the team prepares for a critical four-Test tour. His potential absence necessitates adjustments to the forward rotation, shifting the focus toward experienced depth options like Nick Champion de Crespigny and Josh Kemeny.
The potential loss of Hooper alters the squad's forward pack options for the upcoming Tests in London. Coaching staff must now decide whether to integrate reserve players like Josh Kemeny or Nick Champion de Crespigny into the starting rotation.
The takeaway
Maintaining physical conditioning is essential for players returning from significant skeletal injuries to ensure long-term availability. Supporters should monitor official squad announcements in the coming days to confirm the final roster for the opening Test.
What happens next
The Australia A team is scheduled to play a second match in New Jersey on Sunday.
Further reading
For more updates on the national squad, visit Australia Other Sports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brisbane Times.
Live Poll
Should national teams depend on players who maintain separate commitments to international club sides?
