Wallaby captain joins bad boy club
The Australian Rugby Union has confirmed that they are aware of incident in Byron Bay involving Wallaby captain Michael Hooper, which attracted the attention of police.
Hooper was reportedly involved in a drunken incident on the far north-coast of New South Wales in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
According to a report on Channel Nine Hooper was out in the beachside town when Hooper's friend jumped on a parked car.
The pair then allegedly tried to pull a road sign out of the ground.
A security guard notified police.
It has been reported that police will reportedly charge Hooper's friend, but not the Wallaby and Waratahs back row forward.
The ARU said it has been made aware of the incident.
"Information from NSW police confirms Michael Hooper was not involved in any serious misdemeanour," an ARU spokesman told the Australian Associated Press.
"Michael has been open and transparent with the police and the ARU.
"We don't expect any further action to be taken in relation to Michael's involvement in the matter."
NSW police later issued a statement on the incident.
"About 01.30 today [Tuesday], two men – both aged 23 – were walking along Bay St at Byron Bay," the 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 has played 42 Tests for Australia and earlier this year became the youngest Wallaby captain.
He also captained the Waratahs to a maiden Super Rugby title.
This is the latest in a series of embarrassing incidents in the last few years involving high-profile players in Australia – the most recent the Kurtley Beale lewd text saga that resulted in former coach Ewen McKensie walking out on the team.
In Beale, Quade Cooper, James O’Connor and Digby Ioane Australia have enough bad boys to last a generation, let alone one team.
Sources: AAP & Sportal
Another alcohol related incident involving footballers at Byron Bay. Wallabies captain Michael Hooper allegedly involved @9NewsAUS
— Joel Dry (@JoelDry9) December 30, 2014
Cars and street signs in Byron damaged by a group including the Wallabies captain. Witness account on @9NewsAUS pic.twitter.com/0gDCFk3ZtS
— Joel Dry (@JoelDry9) December 30, 2014
