Match-fixing claim shocks the skipper
RUGBY UNION: Wallabies captain Michael Hooper was “shocked” to learn of claims the Australian rugby union team had been investigated for match fixing after losing a Test match they’d been favoured to win.
A report from the Sydney Morning Herald suggested the team were probed for match fixing several years ago and that a sporting official had recommended the investigation be reopened.
While the report didn’t specify the particular match, nor suggest the Wallabies fixed any game on Hooper’s watch, the incumbent skipper said he and his teammates had always given their best.
“You can’t give more than a 100 (per cent),” Hooper said yesterday. “That’s the way I’m built and the guys I’ve played with have all been cut from the same cloth, and I can speak on behalf of the guys I’ve played with for sure.”
The report alleged there was a “deep concern” about a Wallabies loss and there had been suspicious activity in a Test the team were expected to win.
In a statement yesterday, Rugby Australia denied any such investigation was ever conducted and said it would “always thoroughly investigate should any person or entity ever provide information to the integrity unit”.
A dual John Eales Medal winner as Australia’s player of the year, Hooper was horrified by the allegations but happy to see RA’s statement.
“I saw that (the match-fixing report) last night and was shocked,” he said.
“And then I’ve seen Rugby Australia’s comment this morning and that puts it to bed really.
“So (I’m) not really (surprised or offended), no. Not really thinking about that. I hope there’s nothing to it.”
— Darren Walton