Tom Hooper: Exeter's Wallaby on Pain, Pasties, and Beating England 2026

Tom Hooper, Exeter's current Wallaby, has revealed the secret to his success: a willingness to embrace pain. The 25-year-old forward, who hails from cattle farming stock in rural New South Wales, is hoping to upset England next week and has opened up about his journey from country boy to Premiership star.

Hooper is the latest in a long line of Australian rugby players who have found a spiritual home in Exeter. Dean Mumm, Dave Dennis, Nic White, Scott Sio, Greg Holmes, Julian Salvi, Ben White, Mitch Lees, Lachie Turner, and Len Ikitau have all pitched up in the south-west of England and relished the experience. As Rob Baxter, Exeter's director of rugby, drily observes: "They seem to like the pasties and the cider."

But Baxter has his own theory. "Maybe Exeter and Devon is more like Australia than anywhere else in England. There's plenty of open space and we tend to be a relatively old-school type of club. The Australian guys really seem to like that environment." None more so, it seems, than Hooper.

From Bathurst to Exeter: Hooper's Journey

Hooper grew up near Bathurst in New South Wales, where he developed a sizeable childhood appetite. "I was always going to be a meat eater, that's for sure," he says. "Getting tucked into the sausage sizzle with my little brother at our local rugby club was always a good feed."

That country upbringing instilled in him a toughness that has served him well in the brutal world of professional rugby. "Sometimes you've just got to suck up a little bit of pain," Hooper says, reflecting on the physical demands of the sport.

His move to Exeter has been a seamless one, thanks in part to the club's culture and the region's similarities to his homeland. "I love Guinness," he notes, when asked about the cider-drinking stereotype. "But the pasties are pretty good too."

Why Australian Players Thrive at Exeter

The list of Australian players who have thrived at Exeter is long and illustrious, and Hooper is the latest to benefit from the club's environment. Baxter believes the open spaces of Devon and the old-school values of the club are key factors.

"There's plenty of open space and we tend to be a relatively old-school type of club," Baxter says. "The Australian guys really seem to like that environment." It's a sentiment echoed by Hooper, who has settled quickly into life in the south-west.

For Hooper, the move has also been about testing himself against the best. "The Premiership is a tough competition, and I wanted to challenge myself," he says. "Exeter is a great club with a great history, and I'm proud to be part of it."

The Physical Toll of Professional Rugby

Hooper's comment about sucking up pain is a window into the reality of professional rugby. The sport is famously brutal, and players often have to push through injuries to help their teams.

"It's a physical game, and you have to be prepared to put your body on the line," Hooper says. "But that's what we do. We love it."

That attitude has endeared him to Exeter fans, who appreciate his wholehearted commitment. It's also why he's likely to be a key figure when Exeter face England next week.

Looking Ahead to England Clash

Hooper is relishing the prospect of taking on England, and he's confident Exeter can cause an upset. "We've got a good team, and we're playing well," he says. "We'll give it everything." The background to this story is set out in Exeter Chiefs Win First Game as Christian Wade Scores Hat-Trick. A related thread runs through Wallabies' Epic Four-Minute Stand Against South Africa. Earlier coverage in Hiker Lily Hooper Remembered as Everyone Liked Her After Body Recovery shows how the argument developed.

The match will be a special occasion for Hooper, who grew up watching England play. "It's always a big game against England, and I'm looking forward to it," he says. A closer look at the same subject appears in Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii Keeps Open Mindset on Wallabies Position. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Argentina vs Australia Rugby: Altitude Test in Jujuy. The same theme surfaces in Japan 32-35 Australia: Rugby Union International Live Updates, which takes a different angle.

For Baxter, Hooper's attitude is exactly what he wants from his players. "He's a great lad, and he's fitted in perfectly," Baxter says. "He's got that Australian toughness, and he's not afraid of a bit of hard work." Context on how this played out before sits in Australia 56-17 Japan: Rugby Union International Match Recap.

Key Takeaways

• Tom Hooper is the latest Australian to find success at Exeter Chiefs.
• Hooper attributes his toughness to his rural upbringing in New South Wales.
• Exeter's culture and open spaces appeal to Australian players.
• Hooper is preparing to face England next week and is confident of an upset.
• His willingness to embrace pain is a key part of his game.

Australian Players at Exeter: A Comparison

FAQ

For those who enjoy stories of athletes overcoming challenges, the tale of Tom Hooper is a compelling one. His journey from the fields of New South Wales to the Premiership is a testament to hard work and resilience. And if you're looking for a lighter take on the animal kingdom, you might enjoy this collection of adorable cats that made 2020 a little bit better.

Hooper's attitude is a reminder that success in sport often comes down to mental toughness. As he puts it, sometimes you just have to suck up a little bit of pain. It's a philosophy that has served him well so far, and Exeter fans will be hoping it continues to do so.

Whether he's enjoying a pasty, a pint of Guinness, or a hard-fought win on the pitch, Hooper has embraced life in Devon. And with his wholehearted approach, he's sure to become a fan favourite at Sandy Park.