Queensland Reds and Wallabies fly half Quade Cooper has re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union until the end of 2015, meaning he will be available for Australia at the Rugby World Cup.
Cooper has earned 53 caps for Australia, and brought up his 100th Super Rugby cap for the Reds this year.
Although he was injured late in the Super Rugby season, he managed to make a comeback to national duty via three matches in the National Rugby Championship for Brisbane City.
He has endured a tough stretch with injury in the last year, having spent a good chunk of 2014 on the sideline due to shoulder and hip surgery.
This deal follows the three-year contract Cooper signed in 2012, and he will remain with the Reds for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Cooper says he was positive about the Wallabies’ chances for the coming year.
“I really enjoyed the Spring Tour, even though some of the results weren’t what we wanted. We’re working hard to improve and I’m confident we’ve got a great group of players going into 2015,” Cooper said.
“I love being at the Reds and playing Rugby for Australia, and am looking forward to the opportunities next year.”
Wallabies and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika was complimentary of Cooper’s attitude during the end of year tour.
“I’ve really enjoyed coaching Quade on the Spring Tour. He brings a lot to the team on and off the field,” Cheika said.
“He’s clearly a quality player and has proven himself at a state and national level for many seasons.
“From watching him play in Super Rugby, and during recent weeks, it’s clear he has a lot to offer and I’m glad he’s chosen to continue his future with Australian Rugby.”
The Daily Telegraph‘s Jamie Pandaram has also reported that Kurtley Beale is set to re-sign with Australian Rugby in the coming days.
Returning Wallaby James O’Connor has been granted a one-month extension by the Queensland Reds to remain with Toulon to help the French Top 14 side deal with an injury crisis.
A Reds official says O’Connor will return to Ballymore early next month ahead of their Super Rugby pre-season.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Hyperbole much? Worst Wallaby performer in a World Cup ever? What about the forwards that didn't turn up against Ireland, or NZ, or England back in 2007 just to name a couple. What about some of the performances in 1995? Do you just ignore the games where he performs well, like 7 of the last 8 test matches he started (vs Wales, vs Ireland, vs Scotland, vs Italy, vs NZ, vs SA vs Argentina) or are you that one eyed that you cannot accept his performances as quality? Don't let common sense get in the way of your arguments, you certainly haven't yet.
catcat
Guest
I really need to pay attention to the hyphen on the titles at the moment
EX POMMY NOW AUSSIE
Guest
Shut them Haters up Handles Nice work..Beaten AB`S twice in 20 attempts and Quade was there both times
handles
Guest
Arguing with you guys is like shooting fish in a barrel. If you want statistics, try looking them up before using them to make your point. Since 2009, the Wallabies have beaten the All Blacks twice, out of 20 attempts. Cooper played the full 80 minutes in both of those games. He has lost 5 games to the All Blacks. Do your own maths on that.
Cheeky halfback
Guest
One option is to start Cooper and allow him a long leash to be flash. If it doesn't work bring on the steady Foley as early as you like.
Bfc
Guest
Wow...such 'passion' regarding QC.... Whatever pans our vis-a-vis the Wannabes come RWC time, the Reds will be happy to have QC hopefully fully fit. Genia is under pressure from Frisby, who is the rising scrum half, but if Genia rediscovers his mojo he will be hard to leave out (Reds and Wannabes...). The Reds 2015 back line is talent laden, buy the question is whether or not the new forwards group can assert any authority. If the form warrants, Genia and QC will have major roles to play in the RWC (if Cheika is true to his word and picks on form...). If they are not playing well...then they cannot complain if they are not selected.
RobC
Roar Guru
2015 is going to be a cracker year for Oz Rugby. Im just not sure its going to be tasty.
RobC
Roar Guru
The tour has started. I trust its going well. Me too! Taken my eye of Rugby for while. But not Barossa alas
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Sorry for late response... was down the Barossa tasting some of SA's better produces
Rugby Tragic
Guest
RobC, Ha! ....what gives you the right to actually bring up pertinent items that might affect Rugby in Australia...
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks for the article. The new contract now aligns with the Reds contract which also expires 2015. Will be interesting to see what happens w/QC in the next 12 months. But there will other interesting things to watch for next year: - Finances for Brumbies, Rebs, Force, ARU - NRC's future after the two year window - Reds membership count - Grassroots response to new ARU fees
Westie
Guest
Coopers defence is better than Foley
Magic Sponge
Guest
Cooper was trying to be the man, talking it up and doing nothing positive, then becoming known as the worst wallaby performer in a world cup ever. He was pathetic and only a great manager could get him back in the wallabies. Still yet to do anything of substance, lets just see what he does for the reds again.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Struth Jack - I discern your subtlety was way too subtle for most! Then, here I was, a NSW man who likes warm places, about to check the local supermarket jobs board for a position as a non tackling, eratic sideways running, inaccurate passing, frightened under pressure, terrified of the tackler shelf stacker in an effort to assist the odd looking little fella into a job for which he is more suited and I find myself being charged and found guilty as a "Queenslander"!
Squirrel
Guest
Qc won't be required. We have tonnes of 5/8 that can doper than just cut out passes. Ie tackling is a must
Zero Gain
Guest
The gross overreaction to Coopers love tap on the great one was pathetic and a symptom of a country with not much going on to capture their attention.
Zero Gain
Guest
Mick, can you take the 'Gold Coast' out of your moniker please, it may make people think you are a QLDer.
Zero Gain
Guest
Cooper is a class player and he is capable of leading the Wallabies to a World Cup win. He is our only chance, really. I will bet my new Havaianas that we won't get out of the pool if Foley is at 5/8. With QC we at least have a chance of winning, even more if Genia is along side him. Really, all the Tah supporters complaining about Qld bias should have a good long look at themselves. If you really think Foley is a better option than Cooper you are simply kidding yourselves. Look at Foley's recent record and impact in test rugby.
Zero Gain
Guest
He is wrong.
Zero Gain
Guest
You're kidding, right? Quade is in another class to Foley with much better skills and playmaking sense. Foley is solid but pedestrian. We have no hope next year unless Quade is in the team.