Is Michael Hooper playing at the Olympics? Wallabies legend out of rugby sevens team, announces retirement

Michael Hooper has officially announced his retirement from Australian rugby.

The Wallabies legend concludes his career with 125 Test caps, 172 Super Rugby caps and four John Eales Medals to his name.

He was notably the youngest player to play 100 Tests for Australia and set the standard in his preferred position of openside flanker.

MORE: When do the Olympic Games start? | Full Australian Olympics team

Why is Michael Hooper retiring?

Hooper was controversially not selected for the Wallabies' 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, although a recurring calf injury did play a role.

This saw him transition to rugby sevens, with the hope of cracking the Australian team for Paris.

However, further problems with his calf and a fresh Achilles tendon injury while training this summer impacted his availability.

After revealing he has missed out on Olympic selection, he has opted to call time on his successful Australian rugby career.

"What a ride! My Olympic journey has come to an end, and with it, my Australian Rugby career," Hooper wrote on Instagram.

"To the Aussie Sevens team, I wish you all the best you’ve been an awesome, helpful, and talented group of athletes to be part of.

"As for my time in Australian Rugby, I’m grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout.

"We’ve shared an incredible journey, filled with unforgettable experiences, challenges, and memories. Thank you."

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh acknowledged Hooper's mighty contribution to rugby union.

"He leaves a legacy that will remember him as one of the greatest to wear the Wallaby gold and a favourite among Australian supporters," Waugh said in a statement.

"Michael's incredibly well respected here and around the world, and on behalf of Rugby Australia, I want to wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Is Michael Hooper playing at the Olympics?

Hooper will not feature at the Paris Olympics.

While the final Australian rugby sevens team has not been announced, he has already revealed his non-selection.

MORE: Will Australia's cross-code stars succeed?

The Sydney Morning Herald have reported Hooper declined the option to travel to France as an emergency reserve player, instead preferring a longer-serving player receive one of the two spots.

Rugby sevens: Australian men's team, squad

The final Australian sevens team will be announced by the AOC on Wednesday, July 3.

The current 2023/24 season squad consists of:

• Ben Dowling
• Dally Bird
• Dietrich Roache
• Hadley Tonga
• Hayden Sargeant
• Henry Hutchison
• Henry Paterson
• James Turner
• Josh Turner
• Matt Gonzalez
• Maurice Longbottom
• Michael Hooper
• Michael Icely
• Nathan Lawson
• Nick Malouf (c)
• Tim Clements

Rugby sevens: Australian men's team Olympic pool, group

Australia has been placed in Pool B, which includes Argentina, Samoa and Kenya.

The Australian men’s rugby sevens team are yet to win a medal at the Olympics – at Rio 2026, they finished eighth and came seventh at Tokyo 2020.

The three pools in Paris are as follows:

Pool A

Pool B

Pool C

Rugby sevens: Australian men's team Olympic schedule, draw

The draw for the men's rugby sevens competition has not been made yet.