Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has reportedly been involved in a drunken early morning incident in Byron Bay.
Police were called to the NSW coastal town’s Bay Street at around 1:30am on Tuesday morning when a security guard spotted the 42-Test veteran and a friend engaging in a bit of drunken stupidity.
Hooper’s friend was reportedly seen jumping on a car before the pair then attempted to rip a signpost from the ground.
According to an AAP report, Hooper will likely escape charges.
“About 1.30am today, two men both aged 23 were walking along Bay St at Byron Bay,” police said.
“Police were told a 23-year-old Manly resident jumped on the roof of a parked car.
“The two men were seen to push over a signpost that was later repositioned without damage.
“Legal action is expected to be taken against the Manly resident in relation to the damaged car.
“Inquiries are continuing.”
The 23-year-old Hooper, set to retain the Wallabies captaincy for next year’s rugby World Cup according to comments made my coach Michael Cheika earlier this month, will also escape penalty from Australian Rugby Union.
“Information from NSW Police confirms Michael Hooper was not involved in any serious misdemeanour,” an ARU spokesman said.
“Michael has been open and transparent with the police and Australian Rugby Union.
“We don’t expect any further action to be taken in relation to Michael’s involvement in the matter.”
Hooper was awarded the role of skipper in June when Stephen Moore went down with a season-ending knee injury five minutes into his tenure.
“Right now, I’ll be truthful to you, I’m very happy with the job that Michael Hooper is doing,” Cheika said in early December.
“It’s not going to be a presidential run-off or anything like that. It’s going to be about deciding what’s best for the team.”
Photo: Patrick Hamilton/Getty Images.
