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The Queensland Reds say they have done all they can to retain Quade Cooper and have begun planning for life without the off-contract Wallabies star.
Cooper is set to make his return from a shoulder fracture for Saturday’s Super Rugby wooden spoon battle with the Western Force, leaving him with just three more games in Reds colours before his expected departure for European club powerhouse Toulon next season.
It’s understood the Queensland Rugby Union has completed their part of the three-way negotiations with Cooper and his manager Khoder Nasser, who are now dealing directly with the Australian Rugby Union over the possibility of staying in the country, most likely on a flexible contract.
But a News Limited report on Sunday said Cooper had already assured Toulon, who prematurely trumpeted his signing back in April, that he would join them after the Rugby World Cup.
Queensland coach Richard Graham dismissed it as “speculation” on Monday morning but was unable to provide any update on discussions with the 27-year-old.
However, Graham admitted the Reds may be forced to look overseas for a replacement flyhalf if Cooper does leave Ballymore, where he has spent his entire professional career to date.
“That’s certainly an option for us,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of movement with 10s in the last couple of weeks with the Crusaders announcing three of them have gone to Europe.
“Everyone’s in the marketplace and looking.
“Obviously our first priority is keeping Quade, and on the back of that you’ve got to make decisions based on what you know at the time.”
In any case it is increasingly unlikely that Graham will be involved in that recruitment process as he is fighting an uphill battle to keep his job.
Cooper needs to make just seven more Test appearances before the year is out to qualify for the ARU’s new eligibility rules that allow for overseas-based players to represent the Wallabies.
Queensland’s alternative at flyhalf is rookie Jake McIntyre, who had a much tougher time during the loss to the Sharks on Friday night than he did in his sterling Super Rugby debut the week before.
With Will Genia already locked into a France move next year, that would leave the Reds with an inexperienced halves combination of McIntyre and Nick Frisby, who has filled in at No.10 this season but is a natural halfback.
Hooker James Hanson’s switch to the Rebels was announced last week while veteran James Horwill will join English side Harlequins next year, meaning the QRU faces a significant rebuild no matter what Cooper’s final decision is.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.