Last weekend, on the eve of the first Rugby Championship test match, Wallabies captain Michael Hooper called for a break from the international rugby spotlight to take care of his mental health.
Rugby Australia quickly acted unhurriedly as the capped 121 Test skipper was kicked out of Argentina along with another team-mate who succumbed to a head injury. No replacement flanker was sent to fill the player position – a nearly impossible task, given Hooper’s widely recognized incredible work rate and influence in the critical breakdown zone.
Note: Australia would win the test at the Estadio Malvinas, 26-41.
Wallabies head coach David Rennie revealed that the back room team saw no signs of concern from Hooper, but would welcome his honesty. “Nothing was obvious to us, the way he trained and contributed to the team and leadership was excellent and it’s clear he’s struggling and masked well,” he told reporters.
“It came to a head last night and he had the guts to call (Wallabies team doctor) Sharon (Flahive) and have a chat with her and then involve (team manager) Chris Webb and myself to figure out where it is…obviously he felt he could delete things over the past few weeks so we were definitely unaware of things.
Not knowing is a common sentiment, with others supporting the player’s decision. Whether a respected athlete or not, the hidden nature of mental health issues has placed undue pressure on many top athletes. with Wallabies captain Michael Hooper one of many who have shown the personal strength to admit when (they) have a problem.
Rennie concluded: “That’s not uncommon in life, is it? It is a sample of society. Often men say get the hell out and suffer in silence,” the coach said. “It took a lot of courage to address the group, so a lot of respect from everyone and respect that we want to bring him home and give him as much support as possible.”
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper takes mental health leave
Personal demons, the black dog or the inner critic, it all adds up. Talk to any player; past or present, and the reality of expectations versus the reality of sport as a workplace can be very detrimental. Michael Hooper should benefit from the same appreciation. So days after the opener of his side’s Rugby Championship game against Argentina, there was no professional impediment to requesting personal refuge in the arena.
Sure, and Hooper is home now and Rugby Australia probably won’t ask for his services until the backrower is happy to do so. He said at the time that he was in the wrong frame of mind. “Although this decision was not made easily, I know it is the right one for me and for the team at this point,” Hooper said in a press release.
“My whole career I have sought to put the team first and I don’t feel capable of fulfilling my responsibilities at the moment in my current state of mind.”
Sport is no different from any workplace, although the weight of public expectations can add weight that few can imagine. Since taking over as captain at the tender age of 22, pressure has been a constant parallel to success and in times of struggle. After the 1-2 defeat against England, Hooper will have had to deal with criticism which could well have contributed to his level of stress.
Reading Rugby Australia’s press releases, the message is that an individual’s mental health is a priority, as is their physical fitness. CEO Andy Marinos said: “Michael is an incredible leader, it takes a brave man to identify where he is and show up while having the best interests of the team at heart.”
“His well-being is and remains the top priority at this time where Rugby Australia and the Australian rugby community will do everything to support him and his family.”
Hooper joins a growing list of athletes dealing with mental health issues
Wallabies captain Michale Hooper joins a growing list of international sportspeople who have prioritized personal mental health and well-being; related issues, and in the face of the struggles that professional sport adds.
New Zealand cricket has asked players for a “time out”. Amelia Kerr is the latest female player to acknowledge that time away from the game is best for her personal health. Sophie Devine also had to take a step back. Others like Jimmy Nesham and former player Jessse Ryder also spoke about their personal journeys to overcome mental health issues.
Other rugby players who have spoken include England rugby striker Joe Marler. His public stance and openness were well received. England Rugby has also set up protocols and support structures that can help current and former male and female players.
I think it’s one of mine (@_Megstevens) and @tomdabs favorite times of the year. We both talk a lot about this documentary. Always so brave @JoeMarler 🙌🏼
Joe Marler opens up about his mental health struggles and explores coping mechanisms… https://t.co/fh9nD6PHZ7 Going through @Youtube
— #RugbyTalks (@Rugbytalks1) December 31, 2021
Whether it’s a top pick like Hooper or Marler, anyone who takes the pressures of the sport to heart and mind needs to have all the resources and support available. Public health services are available on call, with other professional services optional for everyone from club player to senior player. Around the world, the majority of rugby unions now all employ support structures that align with the fundamental aim that the sport is to be enjoyed. And each participant must feel that they can express themselves whenever necessary – during the tour or before the start of a season.
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If you or someone you know needs additional support for your mental health or well-being, contact your national medical services organization. Contact the sports agency, any toll-free number available at clubs, provincial and regional sports agencies, who can respond to any request.
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