Wallabies legend Michael Hooper has lent his wisdom to the Western Force as he continues his preparations for a Sevens debut.
Hooper will join the Sevens program at the end of the month with one eye on July's Paris Olympics, potentially making his debut in Perth.
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However, Hooper's appearance in WA almost six weeks before the event surprised some, called in by current Force coach Simon Cron.
Rather than a shock re-return to Super Rugby, Cron called on the legendary flanker to impart his extensive knowledge on the youthful squad.
Cron and Hooper have an extensive history together, crossing paths at the Waratahs before Cron recruited the four-time John Eales Medalist to Toyota Verblitz during his sabbatical.
“Simon Cron wanted me to come through and see what was happening and speak to some of the young leaders, look at some of the patterns on the field," Hooper told Force media.
“I’ve really enjoyed going around seeing a different environment and with my history with Simon, it’s great to see what he’s implementing over here.”
Hooper is continuing to train with the Sevens side, building his fitness base in the hopes of making an Australian debut on home soil as the SVNS World Series commenced last weekend in Dubai.
Fellow 15s convert and Sevens star Ben Dowling understands what it takes to make the transition, confident he has the skills to succeed.
“‘Hoops’ has adapted very well,” Dowling told Rugby.com.au.
“I know how tough it is to come back from 15s to 7s with the training and he's been at 15s at a high level for so long so I think Hoops is adapting well and will adapt, continue to pick up on all the little details.
“The smaller environment is great because you can pick up off everyone and learn off guys like captain Nick Malouf and the rest of the senior boys, who really help you as soon as you come into the environment and give you the little tips as I was and still getting off them.
“Obviously a world-class player like like Hoops has played at such a level, he knows the things he needs to work on and his strengths obviously. He’ll adapt well, it's just getting the fitness in which is still what I'm trying to build on come back from 15s.”
