Former Australian rugby union captain Michael Hooper has made a multi-million pound property move, securing a luxurious waterfront home on Sydney's coveted northern beaches.
A Multi-Million Pound Property Upgrade
The 34-year-old retired Wallabies skipper, along with his wife Kate Howard, has invested a substantial $6.75 million (approximately £3.5 million) in a striking four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence. This acquisition follows the recent sale of his previous four-bedroom home in the nearby suburb of Manly for $3.9 million, a property he initially bought for $2.6 million in 2020, according to reports from The Daily Telegraph.
The new, ultra-modern property is situated just minutes from Dee Why Beach and approximately 19 kilometres from Sydney's Central Business District. The three-level home is designed to maximise its prime waterside location.
Inside the Luxury Waterside Residence
The architectural design prioritises light and views, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls and an open, free-flowing layout. The main living space on the first floor encompasses the kitchen, lounge, and a covered al fresco dining area equipped with surround sound and strip heating for year-round use.
Key design elements include a double-height foyer, premium spotted gum timber finishings, blackbutt flooring, and a built-in marble breakfast island. The ground floor offers a second living space complete with a wet bar, overlooking a heated mineral swimming pool. Outdoor amenities extend to a sun deck with a barbecue setup.
The master suite is a particular highlight, occupying an entire corner of the home. It boasts a lavish en-suite bathroom, a private balcony with sweeping water views, and a spacious walk-in wardrobe.
Life After International Rugby
This significant property investment comes in the wake of Hooper's retirement from Australian rugby in 2024, following an illustrious career that included 125 Test caps. He holds the record for captaining the Wallabies 69 times, having first taken the helm as the youngest-ever skipper at just 22 years old in 2014.
After missing selection for the Australian Sevens team ahead of the Paris Olympics last year, Hooper announced the end of his national career on social media, thanking fans, teammates, and family for "an incredible journey." He has since returned to professional rugby, currently playing club rugby in Japan for Toyota Verblitz. Off the field, he joined the Stan Sports commentary team in 2023.
This move to a premium northern beaches address underscores the next chapter for the rugby star, trading the rigours of international sport for a luxurious coastal lifestyle in one of Sydney's most desirable locations.