Wallabies back-rower Tom Hooper has re-injured his right shoulder while playing for Exeter in the English Premiership, placing his availability for the upcoming spring tour in severe doubt ahead of the opening Test against England at Twickenham on November 9, 2026.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Back-Row Depth: The potential loss of Hooper thins an already fragile Wallabies loose-forward contingent, shifting immediate selection pressure onto squad alternatives.
- Squad Rotations: Coach Les Kiss faces rapid contingency planning, with fringe and development players like Nick Champion de Crespigny and Joe Brial moving into active consideration.
- The Wallabies are preparing to be without key forward Tom Hooper on the spring tour after the abrasive back-rower re-injured his right shoulder while playing for Exeter in the English Premiership.
The Incident at Exeter and Injury History
The 25-year-old flanker left the field during the first half of the Chiefs’ fixture against Bristol after taking a heavy blow to the exact same shoulder he previously injured while playing for Australia against Ireland in July. That initial incident resulted in a hairline fracture of the scapula, which sidelined Hooper for seven weeks and forced him to miss four Test matches against France, Italy, and Japan.
Following his recovery, Hooper returned to international action in late August against Argentina in Salvador de Jujuy and subsequently featured against South Africa in Perth. However, after returning to his club in England, this latest aggravation has forced him back onto the medical sidelines.
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter addressed the situation post-game, noting: “He got a bang on his shoulder, which he hurt before, hopefully it is not a bad injury. He will probably have to have a scan on it. Hopefully he has just aggravated it, but we won’t know properly for a little while. It is the shoulder he hurt playing for Australia against Ireland.”
Scan Results and Tour Contingencies
Hooper underwent scans on Monday, leaving Wallabies coach Les Kiss waiting anxiously for the medical verdict ahead of the team assembling in London. Another confirmed fracture would rule the abrasive forward out of the four-Test tour entirely.
The coaching staff has already formulated backup plans, keeping six-Test back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny on stand-by. With Charlie Cale, Pete Samu, and Langi Gleeson all unavailable due to ongoing injuries, the Wallabies’ back-row depth stocks are severely depleted.
| Player | Club / Franchise | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Hooper | Exeter Chiefs | Undergoing scans for right shoulder injury |
| Nick Champion de Crespigny | Unattached / Stand-by | On stand-by for November tour |
| Charlie Cale | Brumbies | Unavailable due to injury |
| Joe Brial | Queensland Reds | Active with Australia A |
Alternative Options and Australia A Form
Should Hooper fail to make the touring squad, Kiss has several emerging and experienced alternatives at his disposal. Young Brumbies lock and back-rower Toby Macpherson, who spent time with the squad during the Bledisloe Cup series, remains an option while touring the United States with Australia A.
Bullocking Reds back-rower Joe Brial has also thrust his name into the conversation following a standout performance at No. 8 in Australia A’s 61-12 victory over the United States. Meanwhile, Northampton Saints back-rower Josh Kemeny represents another experienced candidate. Kemeny joined the Saints after earning his two Test caps for the Wallabies in 2023 and has maintained open channels with Rugby Australia personnel.
The Australia A side is scheduled to play the Eagles again in New Jersey on Sunday, offering further evaluation opportunities for coach Stephen Larkham before the senior side commences its preparations in London.
