Hooper urges Jorgensen to mirror Dupont’s Olympic sevens route for Brisbane 2032 gold

TL;DR Michael Hooper advises Max Jorgensen to emulate Antoine Dupont’s Olympic sevens preparation to pursue Brisbane 2032 gold.

Hooper, Australia’s most‑capped former captain, told reporters that Jorgensen, who will be 26 or 27 when the next Olympic cycle begins, should study how Dupont switched from fifteens to sevens and secured gold at Paris 2024. He emphasized that a proper run‑in, not a last‑minute call‑up, is needed for success in the seven‑a‑side format.

Dupont, widely regarded as the world’s best fifteens player, took several months ahead of Paris 2024 to compete in sevens tournaments, allowing him to adapt to the faster pace and different skill set required. His effort culminated in a gold‑medal performance that cemented his legacy across both disciplines.

Jorgensen, 21, announced a five‑year extension with the Waratahs and highlighted his 2024 last‑minute try against England at Twickenham as a sign of his growing impact. Hooper noted that the young fullback’s skill set translates well to sevens, but stressed that tournament experience is essential before aiming for Olympic selection.

The advice reflects a broader trend of players moving between fifteens and sevens to extend their careers and chase Olympic medals. With Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, Australia sees an opportunity to convert emerging talent into podium finishes.

What it means is that Jorgensen’s immediate focus should be on gaining sevens match time, possibly through the HSBC SVNS series or national sevens camps, to build the specific fitness and decision‑making required. Hooper’s endorsement signals that the pathway is viewed as viable, provided the player commits to the necessary preparation.

Watch next: whether Jorgensen accepts the sevens challenge and how his performance in upcoming SVNS events shapes Australia’s Olympic roster for Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.