ARU in dark over ‘Cooper quit’ reports

The Australian Rugby Union has not been able to shed any light on reports that fly-half Quade Cooper may have quit 
international rugby.

Speculation is rife that the 24-year-old, who was fined and hit with a suspended ban three weeks ago for comments about the Wallabies, has called it a day after being offered an incentive-based contract.

The ARU remains in the dark, a union spokesman saying: “The ARU has had no communication with Quade or his management regarding the speculation. Questions regarding Quade’s future are a matter best addressed by Quade’s management.”

Cooper’s Super Rugby contract with Queensland is reliant upon his agreement with the ARU and if he is to walk away from the Wallabies he is expected to move abroad or switch codes to rugby league.

Cooper, sidelined by a knee injury, has not played for Australia since describing the team environment as “toxic” – which led the ARU to fine him £25,000 last month.

Cooper apologised after the fine, which included a further £13,000 suspended for two years, the latest black mark on his troubled spell with the Wallabies.