Hooper misses Australian Conference team of the year

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper missed out on a place in Super Rugby’s Australian Conference team of the year.

The inaugural selection, voted for by players within the conference, was announced on Monday and found no room for Hooper, with Australia team-mate David Pocock preferred in the number seven position.

Israel Folau joined Pocock among 14 Wallabies-eligible stars, with Isi Naisarani the one exception.

The Fijian-born Naisarani will become available to play for Australia from March next year.

The Brumbies have the most players recognised with six, one more than semi-finalists the Waratahs, who featured leading points scorer Bernard Foley.

Super Rugby’s Australian Conference team of the year in full:

Scott Sio (Brumbies), Folau Fainga’a (Brumbies), Taniela Tupou (Reds), Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Rob Simmons (Waratahs), Angus Cottrell (Rebels), David Pocock (Brumbies), Isi Naisarani (Brumbies), Will Genia (Rebels), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), Jack Maddocks (Rebels), Israel Folau (Waratahs).

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