In a significant boost for Australian rugby, Wallabies utility forward Tom Hooper has inked a deal with the Queensland Reds, marking his return to Australian shores in 2028. Concurrently, the Waratahs have strengthened their squad with the addition of seasoned forwards Sefo Kautai and Veikoso Poloniati for the 2027 season. Meanwhile, the Auckland-based Blues have secured the future of promising young talent Payton Spencer, who has extended his stay with the club through the end of the 2029 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Tom Hooper, currently showcasing his skills with Exeter Chiefs in the PREM Rugby, has committed to the Reds until 2030. This move not only highlights his allegiance to Australian rugby but also promises to add considerable depth to the Reds' lineup for their 2029 and 2030 seasons. Hooper expressed his enthusiasm about his future prospects, stating,
"I'm really happy to have my long-term future secured with a move back to Australia in the not-too-distant future."
He also emphasized his current focus on improving his game with Exeter Chiefs before his return.Reds general manager high performance, Sam Cordingley, remarked on the strategic advantage of Hooper’s signing, "While it will be a couple of years before we see him in a Reds jersey, he’s another world-class player we can build our squad around." Rugby Australia's director of high performance, Peter Horne, also hailed Hooper's return as a significant win for the sport in Australia.
On another front, the Waratahs are set to welcome the experienced duo of Kautai and Poloniati. Kautai, a formidable prop, and Poloniati, a towering lock, are expected to bring robustness and experience to the Waratahs' tight five. Poloniati shared his excitement about the move, "Malo, I’m incredibly excited to be joining the NSW Waratahs and to start this next chapter in my rugby journey."
Adding to the Blues' strategic retention of talent, Payton Spencer, a rising star in the outside back position, has committed to the team for several more years. Spencer, reflecting on his decision, mentioned,
"This club has believed in me from the beginning and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given here."
Blues general manager Rugby, Murray Williams, praised Spencer's potential and expressed confidence in his future contributions to the team.These strategic signings and player retentions are indicative of the dynamic shifts and promising developments in Super Rugby Pacific, as teams bolster their rosters and secure key talents for upcoming campaigns.