Michael Kent Hooper, born on October 29, 1991, is a professional rugby union player from Australia. He was born in Sydney and grew up in Collaroy on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Hooper primarily plays as an openside flanker and has had a significant career both at the club level and in international rugby.
Here you can follow Michael Hooper’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
About Michael Hooper
Michael Kent Hooper, born on October 29, 1991, is an Australian professional rugby union player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. He was born in Sydney, Australia, and grew up in Collaroy on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Club Career
Michael Kent Hooper is a renowned Australian professional rugby union player, primarily playing as an openside flanker. His club career began in 2010 when he made his Super Rugby debut for the ACT Brumbies against the Chiefs.
After a breakout season in 2012, Hooper was signed by the New South Wales Waratahs for the 2013 season.
During his time with the Waratahs, Hooper’s exceptional leadership was recognized when he was appointed captain of the team. Under his leadership, the Waratahs achieved their first-ever Super Rugby title in 2014
Hooper won the Matthew Burke Cup (Waratahs’ player of the year) seven times (2013-17, 2019-20). In 2020, Hooper also represented the Toyota Verblitz. As of 2024, Hooper has ended his time with the Waratahs, with his final season in sky blue coming to a close.
International Career
Michael Hooper made his international debut for Australia on June 5, 2012, against Scotland.
Hooper has represented Australia in numerous international matches, including the Rugby World Cup. He has also served as the captain of the Wallabies, Australia’s national rugby union team, on multiple occasions.
Hooper’s international career has been marked by several notable achievements. He has played 125 times for Australia since his debut in 2012. In 2014, he became the youngest Test Captain to ever lead the Qantas Wallabies.
However, Hooper’s international career has also seen some setbacks. In 2023, he was left out of the Rugby World Cup squad due to a calf injury. This was a significant development as Hooper had been a key player for Australia and had captained the Wallabies for the better part of the last decade.
Michael Hooper’s Net Worth Details
Michael Hooper’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his salary as a professional rugby player, endorsements, and other sources.
Contract and Salary
Michael Hooper, the Australian rugby union player, had a five-year contract with Rugby Australia that was set to expire at the end of 2023. This contract was reportedly worth $6 million, making him the highest-paid rugby player in Australia
His annual salary was reported to be around $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
| 2018 | $1.2 million |
| 2019 | $1.2 million |
| 2020 | $1.2 million |
| 2021 | $1.2 million |
| 2022 | $1.2 million |
| 2023 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $1,513,664 |
Endorsement
Michael Hooper, the renowned Australian rugby player, has been associated with several endorsements throughout his career. According to the available information, Hooper is an ambassador for Land Rover Australia, reflecting his status as a prominent figure in Australian sports.
Personal Details
| Full name | Michael Kent Hooper |
| Nickname | Hoops |
| Birth date | October 29, 1991 |
| Height | 182 cm |
| Weight | 96.3 kg |
| Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Current net worth | $5 million |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Kate Howard |
| Instagram profile | @mik.hooper |
Wife
Michael Hooper is married to Kate Howard. The couple started dating in 2010 and tied the knot in December 2020.
Kate Howard is a well-known fitness expert and instructor from Australia. As of 2023, they have 2 children.
Career Stats
| Team | Tries | Points |
| Brumbies | 5 | 25 |
| Waratahs | 27 | 130 |
| Australia | 21 | 110 |
FAQs
Who is Michael Hooper?
Michael Hooper is a famous Australian rugby union player. He’s known for being one of the best flankers in the world and was the captain of the Australian national team, the Wallabies, for many years.
When did Michael Hooper retire?
Michael Hooper announced his retirement from Australian rugby on June 30, 2024. This came after he missed a spot in the Australian rugby sevens team for the 2024 Olympics.
How long did Michael Hooper play professional rugby?
Hooper had a long and successful career in professional rugby.
He started playing for the Wallabies in 2012 and continued for over a decade, becoming one of the most capped players in Australian rugby history.
What positions did Michael Hooper play?
Hooper primarily played as a flanker, a forward position in rugby union.
He was known for his skills as an openside flanker, a position that requires speed, strength, and excellent defensive abilities.
What were some of Michael Hooper’s biggest achievements?
Some of Hooper’s biggest achievements include:
- Captaining the Wallabies for many years
- Winning multiple Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year awards
- Being named in the World Rugby Team of the Decade for 2010-2019
- Becoming one of the most capped Wallabies players in history
Did Michael Hooper play in any Rugby World Cups?
Yes, Hooper played in multiple Rugby World Cups for Australia. He was a key player in the 2015 World Cup when Australia reached the final but lost to New Zealand.
Why was Michael Hooper considered such a great player?
Hooper was known for his incredible work rate on the field, his leadership skills, and his ability to excel in attack and defense.
He was often praised for his consistency and durability, playing at a high level for many years.
What teams did Michael Hooper play for during his career?
Throughout his career, Hooper played for:
- The Wallabies (Australian national team)
- NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby
- Manly RUFC in his early years
How old was Michael Hooper when he retired?
Michael Hooper was 32 when he announced his retirement from Australian rugby in 2024.
What’s next for Michael Hooper after retirement?
As of his retirement announcement, Hooper hasn’t publicly shared detailed plans for his future.
However, many retired rugby players often stay involved through coaching, commentary, or other rugby-related roles.
Given Hooper’s experience and leadership skills, he might pursue similar opportunities.
