New deals for Hooper, Nasser, Roosters pushing for Wallaby’s early departure, Swinton’s parting gift – The Roar

Wallaby forward Tom Hooper has signed a one-year extension with the ACT Brumbies, while Queensland Reds hooker Josh Nasser has also been locked up for next season.

Hooper, 23, broke into the Test team last year and made his debut in South Africa. He played all four Wallabies games at the World Cup and was central to the Brumbies’ march to the Super Rugby semi-finals this year.

“I’m excited to stay in Canberra for at least another year,” said Bathurst-raised Hooper.

“It definitely feels like home here to me and I’m keen to be part of a successful Brumbies team.

“I know I have a lot of growth in me both on and off the field and I am very motivated to do everything I can to be part of the big events on the horizon here in Australia.”

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said: “We are pleased that Tom is committed to extending his time with the Brumbies and Australian Rugby.”

“I know our members, fans and staff will be pleased with our recent new contracts, knowing that a core group of our players will remain in Canberra.”

Nasser, 24, has re-signed with the Reds on a two-year deal and is considered a chance for higher honors this season after being included in Joe Schmidt’s train-on squad.

The 112kg Nasser played in all 15 of the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific matches in 2024.

“Queensland is my home state. I have been through the Reds Academy and underage teams, so redeploying is a no-brainer,” said Nasser.

“With the Reds this year you also feel part of a really solid foundation for future growth.

“In my specialist position I had the luxury of (regular coach) Zane Hilton as a brilliant coach. The detail he gives you about scrum time and throwing the lineout is tremendous.”

Meanwhile, the Reds have announced they will play Irish club Ulster early next year. The match against Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium on February 7 follows the tour opener against English club Bristol at the Ashton Gate Stadium on January 31.

Roosters push for early Mark

The Sydney Roosters are attempting to release Mark Nawaqanitawase early from his contract with Rugby Australia to join the NRL club this season, but the Olympics are proving to be a hurdle.

Marky Mark will have a chance to make the Aussie Sevens team for the Paris Games when he plays matches with the squad in Fiji this weekend.

His agent told the Sydney Morning Herald that the Roosters have been in contact with the NRL in an attempt to work out the details of a potential move on June 30 and whether head office would consider registering him for this year if he were to play at the Olympics to play.

“At this stage the Roosters have expressed an interest in signing Mark Nawaqanitawase before the start date of his contract,” Milan Volavola-Shankar told the Herald.

“We are in the midst of discussions and negotiations with Rugby Australia regarding the prospect of an early release, subject to his upcoming selection in rugby sevens for the Olympic Games.”

The Olympic Games start on July 26.

Swinton’s parting gift

Outgoing Waratahs forward Lachie Swinton was a clear winner of the Matt Burke Cup as the Tahs’ best male player for 2024.

In his final season with the Waratahs before heading to France, Swinton was voted their top player by his teammates.

Men’s ranking

• Lachlan Swinton – 219
• Dylan Pietsch – 161
• Jake Gordon – 161
• Charlie Gamble – 150
• Mark Nawaqanitawase – 118
• Mahe Vailanu – 109

Atasi Lafai won the Women’s Player of the Year award after the Tahs’ title win.

Women’s ranking

• Atasi Lafai – 132
• Leilani Nathan – 131
• Desiree Miller – 91
• Caitlyn Halse – 86
• Maya Stewart – 68
• Skye Churchill – 66

Winner of the Waratah Award

• Waratahs Women’s Rookie of the Year – Waiaria Ellis
• Waratah’s Best Women’s Back – Desiree Miller
• Waratah’s top women’s forward – Leilani Nathan
• Waratahs Women’s Player of the Year – Atasi Lafai
• Chris Whitaker Aspiring Waratah Medal – Miles Amatosero
• Dave Dennis Player of the Year (Elite Youth Development Program) – Jack Barrett
• Waratah’s best men’s back – Jake Gordon
• Waratah’s best men’s forward – Lachlan Swinton
• Matt Burke Cup – Lachlan Swinton

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