Michael Hooper will remain in Wallabies colours through to the end of 2018 © Getty Images

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Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper has re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union and New South Wales Waratahs until the end of 2018.

The 23-year-old back-rower led the Wallabies throughout the 2014 Test season after hooker Stephen Moore was injured just five minutes into his first Test as skipper. He also led the Waratahs to a maiden Super Rugby title after Dave Dennis had been cut down by injury just weeks out from the finals.

"The opportunity to play for my country is something I am very passionate about, and is a huge reason why I wanted to commit beyond my current term," Hooper said via an ARU media release.

"I am just stoked to be in this position. To be able to stay here in Australia allows me represent my country, state, club, and all of the people who have supported me since I began playing rugby as a junior. For me, that is what being a Wallaby is all about and the greatest honour we have as players. It is something we always cherish and never take for granted.

"There is no better environment for me to improve as a player than here within Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship, competing against and alongside some of the best flankers in the world."

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Hooper embodied the qualities he wanted the side to be known for.

"Michael plays the game with the passion and intensity that we want the Wallabies to be known for," Cheika said. "I am very pleased for him, as I know he's worked extremely hard to put himself in this position and doesn't take his opportunities for granted. At just 23, there is still a lot of improvement left in his game and I know he will continue to work hard at becoming a better player while continuing to inspire others around him."

Hooper's retention follows the signings of Bernard Foley and Ben McCalman who both inked flexible three-year deals with the ARU earlier this year.

There has been no word yet on the future of star full-back Israel Folau, though the Waratahs ace hinted on Wednesday that a new deal might not be too far away.