ACT Brumbies flanker Michael Hooper has signed a two-year contract and will make his Super 14 debut at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
A shoulder injury to veteran No7 George Smith, 29, opens the door for Hooper to collect his first starting spot against the Waikato Chiefs this week.
The 18-year-old joined the Brumbies Academy at the end of last year.
“I loved watching the Brumbies when I was growing up,'” Hooper said.
“Guys like [Stephen] Larkham, [George] Gregan and Georgie Smith made them a team you wanted to see play and it was always exciting rugby.
“To be a part of that now and get to train with guys like George [Smith] and getting my first Super 14 start this week is something I never dreamed of.''
It is not known how long Smith will be on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder in the loss to the Auckland Blues last weekend.
He will definitely miss the match against the Chiefs - the first game he has missed through injury since 2005.
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