Michael Hooper urges Max Jorgensen to follow Antoine Dupont’s Olympic 7s blueprint for LA 2028 gold

Antoine Dupont secured an Olympic gold medal in rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Games, showcasing a direct pathway for top rugby players. This achievement highlights the increasing significance of the seven-a-side format within the Olympic landscape and the potential for 15-a-side stars to transition effectively.

Australian rugby great Michael Hooper now suggests that rising star Max Jorgensen replicate Dupont's methodical approach for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Hooper noted Jorgensen will be approximately 26 or 27 years old during the 2028 Games, an age comparable to Dupont's when he claimed his gold. This demographic alignment positions Jorgensen favorably for a similar Olympic bid.

Jorgensen has secured a five-year contract to remain in Australia, underscoring his position as a premier national rugby talent. His commitment to Australian rugby provides a stable platform for any potential Olympic preparation. Such a long-term agreement allows strategic planning for a sevens transition without immediate external pressures.

The blueprint set by Dupont involves more than just talent; it requires strategic career management and dedicated adaptation. Dupont, a world-class player in the traditional 15-a-side game, committed months to the sevens circuit leading up to Paris. This immersion allowed him to master the distinct pace, defensive structures, and fitness requirements of the faster format.

Hooper's advice highlights this commitment, suggesting Jorgensen needs to give a potential sevens campaign a "proper run," not merely expect to succeed by turning up. Rugby sevens demands different athletic profiles and tactical understanding compared to the 15-a-side game. Dupont's journey demonstrated that even elite athletes benefit from focused acclimatization.

For Jorgensen, a player already recognized for his agility and attacking prowess, adapting to sevens would involve specific training regimens and competitive exposure. His long-term contract offers the stability to potentially pursue such a demanding transition. This commitment from both player and national rugby structures would be necessary to replicate an Olympic gold medal outcome.

The coming years will show if Jorgensen adopts this blueprint and how his trajectory aligns with a potential LA 2028 Olympic campaign.