Baxter refuses to confirm reports of Tom Hooper contract extension ahead of Prem final

Rob Baxter refused to confirm or deny reports that Tom Hooper has agreed a one-year contract extension with Exeter Chiefs, telling media on Thursday that the matter was “not commentable” — an unusually guarded response ahead of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership final against Northampton Saints at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

Hooper, 25, arrived at Sandy Park earlier this season from the ACT Brumbies on a two-year deal. Despite missing two months with a knee injury, the Wallabies back-row has featured in 22 games, contributing to Exeter’s run to both the Challenge Cup semi-final and the Premiership decider. Reports out of Australia now suggest he has agreed to stay in Devon until 2028 — a significant development given he is only around six months into his original contract.

The flanker had signalled his openness to extending as early as March, telling RugbyPass that he felt he had reached a ceiling in Australia and that Exeter’s environment was driving his growth as both an athlete and a person. “If I see that this environment is indicative of that, then I’ll definitely be staying in Devon because that’s what’s best for me,” Hooper said at the time.

The reported deal would represent a timely boost for Exeter on multiple fronts. Baxter recently indicated that additional funds would become available once the club’s anticipated investment agreement with Bill Foley’s Black Knight Entertainment is finalised, and securing a player of Hooper’s impact on an extended term would signal confidence in that process.

Hooper is expected to join the Wallabies squad towards the end of next week following the Premiership final, meaning Saturday’s clash with Northampton could be his last appearance for the Chiefs until next season. Baxter also confirmed that England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is fit to feature at Twickenham after his own injury concerns.