Freshly re-signed, Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper is relishing the extra competition he's facing for the No.7 spot ahead of the Rugby Championship and World Cup.
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) announced on Thursday that incumbent national skipper Hooper had extended his contract by two years, staying with the NSW Waratahs until the end of the 2018 season.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will announce an initial training squad on Sunday ahead of the opening Test of 2015 against South Africa on July 18 and Hooper said he was thrilled to see so much strong competition for spots, particularly his.
Australia has an embarrassment of riches at openside flanker with incumbent Hooper, David Pocock, Liam Gill, Matt Hodgson and France-based George Smith, who has indicated to Cheika he is available.
"There's guys in every state putting up their hand," said Hooper.
It's a role that gets a lot of press and I think that's a good thing, it makes you keep on your toes and makes you play your best rugby."
It's a bumper year with the Rugby Championship kicking off next month before the World Cup in September-October.
The incumbent Wallabies captain, Hooper a 42-Test veteran, had previously signed until the end 2016 and said he always intended to stay longer.
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