Michael Hooper: Wallabies captain close to return to action with Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific

Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper could barely hide his excitement as he reacquainted himself with his Waratahs team-mates ahead of his return to action.

Hooper rejoined the group last week as he continues his recovery from a foot injury suffered against England last November, narrowly avoiding surgery.

The 30-year-old last featured for the Waratahs in August 2020 after opting to take a sabbatical before returning to the Wallabies last season.

With the club experiencing a rollercoaster of results in his absence, the John Eales Medalist was impressed with what he saw from the young group, even if he had to introduce himself to a host of his new team-mates.

“It’s great to be back. I’ve been watching from afar for the past two years, really in-depth in the last couple of weeks, and I’ve been super impressed with what the guys have done at the start of the season,” Hooper told reporters.

“I’m just happy to see them start to see some turnaround and growing as a team and a unit. I’m excited to come in and try to add to that.

“The guys have worked so hard to put themselves in the position they are right now so to come in and feel that, I want to try and add to that and work out what’s been going on.

“I’ve been really impressed with some of the young guys as well as Jakey (Gordon) in that role and some good figures like Jamie (Roberts), I’ve been lucky to see from afar for two years and that’s exciting.”

Hooper’s goal is to be back next week in the Waratahs’ Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Fijian Drua, with a likely limit put on his minutes as part of the return-to-play process.

With the Waratahs on the bye the following week, the temptation is to hold him back until after that, although Hooper was keen to get back on the