Exeter Chiefs are eagerly anticipating the return of Wallabies star Tom Hooper this weekend for their upcoming clash against the Newcastle Red Bulls. After fulfilling his Test duties with Australia, the robust forward is back at Sandy Park and poised to make a significant impact.
Hooper, aged 25, has been absent for the early part of the PREM Rugby season due to his international commitments, notably missing from Exeter's initial games. His return is not just timely for the team but also a morale booster, especially with several key forwards sidelined due to injuries.
The impact of Hooper's presence was palpable last season as he made 23 appearances, contributing decisively to Exeter's run to the PREM Rugby final and the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final. His readiness to jump back into the fray was confirmed by Exeter's Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter. "Tom Hooper arrives back today," Baxter revealed. "He’s on his way back from the airport now, so we can start to possibly involve him this weekend because we don’t play until Sunday."
"He’ll have a screen, and we’ll assess exactly where he is. He’ll just join in the walkthroughs this afternoon; he won’t train today, but just have a walkthrough to get back up to speed and have a couple of days of rest and recovery."
Baxter hinted at a measured reintroduction for Hooper, indicating potential limited playtime. "If we decide to include him (against Newcastle), he’ll train fully on Friday, which is our shortest training day. If we involve him, it'll be a bench situation."
The Chiefs coach also shared his conversation with Hooper, showcasing the player's eagerness to get back on the field. "He’s come over ready to go. He’s had 10 days off in Australia since his last game and he had good rest periods while he was away. I don’t think we’re looking at a guy who’s on the edge, he’s a guy who’s ready to train and play. I actually spoke to him just now and he said he was ready to break the Bronco record at the club! So you can tell the mood he’s in; he’s ready to go."
Hooper isn’t the only player making a comeback; Italian international Ross Vintcent is also declared fully fit and ready for action. This strengthens an Exeter side that, despite being winless so far this season, has shown potential with three bonus points from their opening fixtures. Baxter expressed satisfaction with Vintcent’s recovery, "Ross Vintcent’s now back and fully fit for the first time this season, which is obviously good."
As Exeter prepares to face the Red Bulls this Sunday, they’re still hunting for their first season victory. However, the return of key players like Hooper and Vintcent could provide the spark needed to turn their fortunes around and climb from their current eighth place in the league standings.
