Australia ahead Tom Hooper is in competition to make his Exeter Chiefs debut this weekend after arriving at his new membership.
Recent from the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship marketing campaign, the place the 24-year-old began all six matches, Hooper arrived on the Chiefs’ coaching base at Sandy Park nonetheless donning the scar on his proper cheek he sustained on worldwide obligation.
The Chiefs host Harlequins on Sunday within the Gallagher PREM, and director of rugby Rob Baxter will probably be eager to throw the Wallaby into motion as quickly as potential following their derby loss to Bristol Bears.
After signing Hooper, Baxter highlighted his versatility, having the ability to play within the second-row and back-row, which was on show throughout the Rugby Championship, the place he began Exams as a lock and a flanker.
Hooper will probably be joined by his fellow Australia worldwide Len Ikitau this season in Devon, whose debut can also be imminent.
“We’re delighted to have signed Tom,” Baxter said after signing Hooper. “A young international who is a big, abrasive back-five forward, we see him having the opportunity to play across our back row but cover second row as well.
“He’s got a lot of the attributes that are really important in Premiership rugby – high work-rate along with good physical size and good physical abilities. He’s also an interesting character and someone we’re excited to bring to the club to grow the team we want to put together going forward.
“Alongside our other young back five forwards, such as Dafydd Jenkins, Rusi Tuima, Greg Fisilau and Ethan Roots – the again 5 has the power to be a very robust group that may construct over quite a few years.
“We’d prefer to see that every one become turning into what I’d prefer to see as a dominant again 5 to the scrum within the coming seasons.”
