Cardiff MET Sign Bristol City Defender Jack Hooper on Loan
Cardiff MET have completed the signing of Bristol City defender Jack Hooper on a long-term loan deal, subject to international clearance. The 19-year-old centre-back will join the Archers until the conclusion of the 2026/27 Cymru Premier season.
What happened?
Cardiff MET manager Ryan Jenkins believes Hooper's physical attributes and potential make him an exciting addition to the Archers squad. "We're really pleased to bring Jack in, and we're excited to see what he can add to the group," said Jenkins.
Why it matters for Cardiff MET
The signing of Hooper is a significant boost to Cardiff MET's squad ahead of the new season. With a full season ahead and a long-term loan keeping him at Cyncoed until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, the Archers will hope the highly-rated young defender can build on his promising spell at Yate Town and continue his development in Welsh football.
What comes next?
Cardiff MET have made a perfect start to their Cymru Premier campaign, opening with a convincing 6-1 victory over Holywell Town at Cyncoed Campus before following it up with a 2-0 win away to Airbus UK Broughton last weekend. The team will now look to continue their winning form and push for a top spot in the league.
Cardiff MET have been busy reshaping their squad ahead of the new Cymru Premier season, with eight players arriving and 12 departures as manager Ryan Jenkins looks to build on last season's progress. Among the new arrivals are a mix of experience and youth, including Spencer Dymond from Larkhall, Aaron Wildig from Gloucester City, and Jack Veale from Plymouth Parkway.
The team is currently 25 points behind leaders The New Saints in the title race and has a next fixture against Penybont at home on 2026-10-30. With a strong squad and a good start to the season, Cardiff MET will be looking to push for a top spot in the league and make a serious challenge for the title.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 7th in Premier League, 28 pts, 6W-10D-6L from 22 games, recent form DLWWL. Goals this season: 33 scored, 36 conceded (-3 goal difference).
