England-Bound Rugby Star’s WWE-Style Tackle Sparks Controversy in Super Rugby
By [Your Name], Staff Reporter
A Super Rugby incident involving Wallabies flanker Tom Hooper has sent shockwaves through the rugby world, as he launched a WWE-style tackle during a match between Australian clubs ACT Brumbies and New South Wales Waratahs. The incident, which occurred on the field, has sparked controversy and discussions among fans and analysts alike.
In a jaw-dropping moment, Hooper executed a move that resembled something straight out of professional wrestling, lifting Waratahs prop Daniel Botha above the horizontal in a suplex-style manoeuvre. This act left Botha visibly surprised and irate, as he protested vehemently to the officials about the dangerous tackle. Despite the incredible feat of strength displayed by Hooper, such moves are illegal in rugby and are not to be condoned.
The match continued even as TMO Glenn Newman intervened to inform the referee, Ben O’Keefe, about the incident. Hooper was eventually shown a yellow card for his actions, indicating a serious breach of rugby regulations. The decision was further reviewed, confirming that the yellow card would stand for the WWE-like tackle.
For those unfamiliar with wrestling terminology, the ‘suplex’ is a common move that involves lifting an opponent and slamming them to the ground. In this case, Hooper’s tackle resembled a ‘German suplex,’ a variation made famous by WWE superstar Brock Lesnar. Fans took to social media to express a mix of amusement and concern over the unconventional tackle, with some suggesting Hooper should be recruited for WrestleMania.
Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, the New South Wales Waratahs emerged victorious over the ACT Brumbies with a score of 28-23. This win was significant for the Waratahs, marking their first victory over the Brumbies since 2015 and propelling them to fourth place in the Super Rugby table.
Hooper’s future remains uncertain as he is set to join the Exeter Chiefs in England next season. The talented flanker, who is also likely to feature in the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour, expressed his gratitude to his current team, the Brumbies, while looking ahead to new challenges in the English Premiership. Reflecting on his time with the Brumbies, Hooper acknowledged the changing landscape of rugby and the need to embrace new opportunities for personal growth and development.
As discussions surrounding player safety and sportsmanship continue, Hooper’s WWE-style tackle serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between entertainment and risky behaviour on the rugby field. While the incident captured attention for its audacity, it also raised important questions about the boundaries of physical play in professional sports. Rugby fans and pundits alike will undoubtedly be watching closely as Hooper transitions to a new chapter in his career with the Exeter Chiefs, eager to see how his unique style of play evolves in the competitive arena of English rugby.