Informed sources say Hooper is physically and mentally closer to being sevens-ready than he realises and wouldn’t even require a full season on tour with the Aussie team on the 2023-24 World Sevens Series. Sonny Bill Williams,Samu Kerevi,Cheslin Kolbe and Semi Radradra have previously played sevens at the Olympics.

After 13 years of being “institutionalised” on contract with rugby teams,Hooper said he is enjoying the freedom of currently having no fixed plans beyond the Rugby World Cup in September-October.

Hooper has played 140 games for the Waratahs,after joining the club from the Brumbies in 2013. In ten seasons,Hooper has won the Matt Burke medal for NSW’s best player seven times.

Stepping up for injured skipper Dave Dennis,Hooper captained the team toSuper Rugby glory in 2014, and the memories of a fortnight where NSW beat the Brumbies in the semi-final at Allianz Stadium and then the Crusaders in the final,in front of a record 61,823 people at Accor Stadium,will last him a lifetime.

“It was a great thing to be part of,that team. Rob Horne played in 2008 final and lost in Christchurch,and I remember in the week of the game,he goes to me:‘We have just got to win,because you don’t know if you’ll get another shot’,” Hooper said.

“We won that one,which is good,but we haven’t been in the final since;a semi-final,a couple of finals ... but to be in that big final,and hopefully this year is another opportunity. You never know what you have got until you are well past it,and it’s nine or ten years ago now. Great memory.”

Hooper said said he hoped his legacy would be based on the “effort” he’d poured into the Waratahs.

As the weeks tick down until Eddie Jones names a squad for the Rugby Championship,and the Rugby World Cup thereafter,Hooper said he was happy with his form and welcomed the competition of Fraser McReight for the Wallabies No.7 jersey.

“I am feeling really happy with my performances of late. When I am gone,the next 7 moves in and when he’s gone,the next 7 moves in and the only hope is that position gets better and better,” he said.

“That would be a great thing for Australian rugby,and competition is a great thing in every position. We need that for a World Cup. My spot is no different.”

Hooper will return from a week’s rest and start for the Waratahs,but withNSW locked at sixth spot regardless of the result,coach Darren Coleman is expected to make a few more changes.

Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to replace the injured Max Jorgensen at fullback,with Harry Wilson moved to the wing. Jed Holloway is likely to rest as well,and departing hooker Tolu Latu may be considered for a final appearance.

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