Veteran Wallabies utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper has ended the chase for his signature, announcing he will join French team Bordeaux on a two-year deal after next year’s World Cup.
The 30-year-old admitted earlier this year he would pursue options overseas beyond 2015 but had kept his cards close to his chest, before stepping up negotiations following the Wallabies’ miserable spring tour.
Ashley-Cooper remains pivotal to Australia’s World Cup hopes, as an experienced outside back with the versatility to play centre, wing and fullback.
“I am extremely grateful for my career in Australia, and I want to thank the ARU (Australian Rugby Union) and the Waratahs for their support over the past decade,” Ashley-Cooper, who has 104 Wallaby caps, told the Bordeaux-Begles website.
“Without them, it would have been impossible for me to write this new chapter.
“I look forward to participating in the future of the (Bordeaux) club after the World Cup.”
Adrien
Guest
Hi mate, as a french i totally agree that the Bordeaux is a great wine, but to be honest you should try some "MUSCAT" from LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON, this is by far the best wine you'll ever find. High alcohol %, high sugar and an amazing taste.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Be interesting to see if a player lead revolt against the coach occurs at Bourdeaux. If it did it would be the third one he endured in his career, he's already been unlucky enough that two have happened to occur at teams he was a senior player of.
Bakkies
Guest
Faingaa twins, AAC, TPN and SNK were all in the Brumbies HPU at or around the same time.
Westie
Guest
So tahs signed Waugh and Carter over Smith and aac. Ha ha.
Fin
Guest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEt-TfB5amI
Fin
Guest
Not to mention... http://www.rugbydump.com/media/posts/aac-double-tackle1. Legend is the word.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
No doubt it is carnivean. Thing is the majority of SH players who move to foreign leagues aren't internationals in their respective countries and simply do it as there is no or only limited opportunities in their country. SA, NZ and especially oz only have a few pro teams hence a few available posts. France alone have 26 pro clubs plus many more semi pro where they can make a decent living (more than shute shield). I often read French coaches say that southerners are much cheaper (and as good if not better) than young French players, hence the migration. Same as Africans or south americans moving to European football leagues. So imo the vast majority of rugby migrants initially move to Europe for the opportunity rather than 'getting rich quickly'. Same for us migrants in oz; its easier for me to get a well paid job in my industry in Oz than in france, plus there is less competition and more opportunities. I still don't think I moved here 'for money' alone. It sure played a part but that wasn't the initial reason.
Billy Bob
Guest
Aww FOS, ..... Any news on Queensland joining the Commonwealth?
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Hee hee hee - too true Swifty. ;) Cheika will be feeling more secure in his new job too.
vaguely
Roar Pro
He's getting on a bit now and behind TK as first choice 13. I think it's time for him to move on, he is the type of player we can afford to lose. If it was TK leaving we would be in more trouble.
carnivean
Roar Rookie
Giteau was in the top echelon of pay from the ARU, and had marketing deals on top. After he was dropped (assuming he'd stayed) he'd have been making quite a bit less than his peak, and no doubt is making more in France than he would be in Australia at the moment. It's clearly an opportunity for something completely different, but weighing up Wallabies caps vs a few years in France (that could be done after retirement), it's clear that money is a very big factor. Not the only factor, but the major one.
swifty
Guest
Here's hoping he can make his fourth pass in the green and gold before he goes.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Funny how some people only mention money as a reason to move overseas. Giteau recently said in an interview that he was actually making more in Oz, Juan Smith had no offer at all and was semi retired/injured when he decided to take a last challenge paid a pittance at Toulon... But not everyone is into traveling, experiencing a different culture, history, rugby crowd, food, people etc so I guess its understandable to think your own country is the best and there is no reason other than money to want to leave it. We are all different, fans and rugby players too. Good luck to AAC. I think he is bright enough to see Bordeaux, France's south west, proximity to Spain, the Pyrenees etc as not only a way to 'make a few quick bucks".
ilikedahoodoogurusingha
Guest
No...Ourimbah Razorbacks!
jameswm
Guest
aahhh...and Australian rugby.
jameswm
Guest
The Tahs wanted him but they can't sign everyone. Just like George Smith, from Sydney's Nothern Beaches, as is Phil Waugh, and similar age. Only room for one of them on the roster.
jameswm
Guest
Exactly right. No one can doubt his commitment or contribution to Aussie rugby. He's earned the right to some big bucks and lifestyle. Just hope the Tahs can find a good replacement 13.
formeropenside
Guest
Yeah, big loss for Qld rugby with Horwill heading OS.
Bakkies
Guest
No the Super Rugby team that selected him for their HPU and awarded him 78 caps.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Great player and a great loss but totally understandable at his age. I often wonder what impact he would have had, had not been shuffled all over the backs in his career. Very professional and the kind of guy we could do with more of.