As Eddie Jones spoke of the agony of informing players they had missed World Cup selection last week, there was one phone call he never got to make. Not that he didn’t try.
The Roar can reveal that Jones tried in vain to contact Quade Cooper on Wednesday, August 9 – one day before the squad was announced – but the 35-year-old playmaker never answered after the Wallabies coach opted to select burgeoning talents Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson.
Since then, efforts to reach Cooper by Jones and other Rugby Australia officials have been ignored.
On Thursday afternoon, as the Wallabies prepared to fly out for France, Jones confirmed The Roar’s story.
Asked if he had spoken to Cooper since the team was announced, Jones answered: “I’ve tried to and we can’t get hold of him.”
Asked why that might be, Jones revealed “I think he’s very upset mate” before firing back. “I don’t know why you’re going back to that. That’s probably reflective of Australian rugby. We’ve got to move on to a World Cup with a great young squad and you’re still talking about players we haven’t selected. We’ve tried to ring him, that’s all I can do,” Jones said.
“I’m disappointed the players are upset but all I can do is ring. If they don’t take your phone call you can’t talk to them.
“If I ring them and they won’t ring back, what do you want me to do? What do you want me to do.”
Last Thursday evening, Jones spoke of the heartache in having to call as many as 20 players to inform them that they had missed selection.
“They’re terrible phone calls. You never like to tell a player’s he’s not in the squad,” said Jones, who took it upon himself to call those who missed out, while team manager Chris Webb called those with the good news.
“Don’t get me wrong, they’re more painful for the player, but for a coach they’re not the discussions you like to have.”
Quade Cooper has gone to ground since being excluded from the Wallabies’ World Cup squad. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
In the absence of communication, The Roar understands it is one of the reasons why Cooper was not named in the Australia A squad to take on Portugal in Paris on August 26 – the day before the Wallabies take on Les Bleus at the Stade de France in Jones’ final hit out before the World Cup.
While Cooper would have needed clearance from his Japanese club to take part for Australia A, his place in the Jason Gilmore-coached side has seemingly been taken by fellow Japan-based Bernard Foley, who led Kubota to the League One title in May.
“We’ve gone for a younger guy in Donaldson,” Jones told Morgan Turinui when asked about Cooper’s exclusion at the Wallabies’ World Cup squad announcement.
“We just feel that’s our best option going forward. Quade’s come back from a serious Achilles tendon [injury] and [he’s] probably not as sharp as he’d like to be, and he could still feature in the World Cup further down the track.”
Eddie Jones (coach) attempted to reach Quade Cooper but his phone call wasn’t answered. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Probed as to whether Cooper could still feature for Australia A, Jones was cagey but added that players outside Wallabies squad would likely be called upon throughout the seven-week campaign.
“We’ll have to have a discussion with him about that,” he said.
“But certainly, that Australian A program is going to be important for us. We’ve seen in The Rugby Championship, of the first squad we’ve made probably about seven of those drop out in the course of the championship and the World Cup’s going to be similar.”
But given Cooper has not spoken to Jones, who selected the 26-man Australia A squad exclusively, it goes some way in explaining the former Super Rugby winner’s extraordinary fall from grace from Wallabies starting 10 to outside the top 50 players.
Yet, the devastating knee injury suffered by France’s first-choice playmaker Romain Ntamack, whose partnership with Antoine Dupont had the host nation pitted as one of the favourites for this year’s competition, has once again reinforced the notion that depth will be crucial at this year’s campaign. It’s why having players ready to go could prove vital.
At present, the Wallabies only have one specialist playmaker in their squad with Gordon in line to wear the No.10 jersey despite playing just four Tests.
Gordon, who has been limited to light duties over the past week because of a calf niggle, opened up on Tuesday by saying he had heard from Cooper but said he wouldn’t fall into the trap of thinking the No.10 jersey was his alone.
“Being the only 10 on the sheet doesn’t really mean too much to me,” he said, fresh from returning from the Northern Territory after a four-day camp, including a night under the stars in Arnhem Land.
“It’s more so about getting better and still earning my spot because if you go out there and play some bad rugby, you’re going to be giving it up, so it’s just making sure I’m growing every day and doing everything I can to keep that jersey.”
Carter Gordon (R) said Quade Cooper (L) was pivotal in his learning development. (Photo by Peter Meecham/Getty Images)
Gordon said he had “learned a lot from Quade” and the veteran playmaker had been “massive” for his growth.
That sentiment, The Roar understands, is shared by many inside the Wallabies squad.
Yet, Cooper’s decision to go to ground could signal the end of his remarkable international career.
It comes less than a fortnight after Cooper took to social media to open up on his Bledisloe heartbreak in Dunedin, which shaped as his final Test against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
“That was most likely the last game I’ve played against the ABs in NZ,” Cooper wrote on social media.
“These are the moments I’ll miss the most: taking a host to tie the game with a full house booing, running out with your teammates against the best, knowing the challenge that awaits is just moments away.
“It just doesn’t get much better than competing at the highest level. The preparation, the physical toll, and the emotional journey can be brutal, but we continue to get up and want more.
“I stayed out on the field for about 20 minutes post-game, just thinking about my journey and how lucky I was to be one of the few standing out there, while looking into the stands where thousands had gathered.
“Understanding that I too stood there or watched on TV with a dream of being on the other side of the fence one day.
“So, to the kids with dreams, continue to chase them even when they seem out of reach. And to the fans, whether yelling, cheering, or booing, whatever it is, thanks for always creating that atmosphere.”
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ That analysis is about ten years out of date with the last point cheap and unfounded.” Much of the Quade crit is 10 years out of date. Do they call me Quade the playmaker? No. You bump the halo of one GOAT.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Fin was just responding to your question “what have I fallen for”? Anyway never mind…
Gottsy
Roar Rookie
Of course everyone knew. Not sure what is going on in the wallabies camp but the media reported the match day squads for every RC game at least a day before it was announced, was surely the same for the WC squad. And the only evidence we have of Eddie “trying” to call Quade is him, and we all know Eddie isn’t the most truthful bloke out there.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Perhaps Try. Thank you for your compliment (it’s refreshing in a week like this). My ignorance is as valuable, or as useless, as anyone else’s. RD has piled onto Quade, without evidence, other than the words of Eddie and Christy, and some ancient history. Quade has been silent , possibly to keep his experiences in camp out of the public eye, possibly to protect his team mates from discouragement. Something neither of us know about has transpired. Of the two characters in question who has had form as ‘petulant’ in the last 5 years? And who has been verbally attacked and criticised for a decade longer than any questionable behaviour? And in case you’ve missed it, I am a big Carter fan. And happy for him to start, and even make Quade redundant. But that day hasn’t come. And it’s a moot point if Quade, one of Carter’s grateful mentors, isn’t even in the squad. This is not about Quade vs Carter. It’s about a competent WC squad vs Eddie’s Suddenly Important 2027 Development Tour, one that Hamish sold as Saving 2023 From Kumbaya Dave.
Qualify
Roar Rookie
Well, if it’s okay for you to assume he’s using people like pawns on a chessboard, then I think the floor is open for me to infer that you see him as a scheming villain. As for Rassie, when he posted his videos about refs, tackling and drinking whilst banned, everyone thought he was whinging and playing the victim. He was even banned by world rugby. Now he seems focused, because they’re winning. All is forgiven. All I’m saying is, just because Eddie makes a lot of loud noises, doesn’t mean he’s always wrong. Edited for spelling.
Rugbytrylover
Roar Rookie
Ken, I know you are a huge QC fan, however, I’m not sure even you get it. I say this respectfully as you are one of the more learned contributors on the Roar. Do you honestly think Eddie would just brush Cooper if he didn’t think he needed him for the Cup campaign? Seriously ? He’s watching all three 10’s in training and has Carter start ahead of Cooper in the last two Tests. Eddie is a meticulous planner and all contingencies would be thoughtfully calculated. If he was braining it at training behind closed doors, surely he would have been picked? The conversations between him and Cooper only they will know, however not returning phone calls after the team was announced is not a good look. My thoughts now are to support all players who have been selected and cheer them on.
Lorry
Roar Rookie
Think Gregan was 34 when he retired. But, yes, you're right people were calling for him to go for awhile. With Quade it's by and large not the case... Most Wallaby fans want him to continue.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Try, the point ‘lost’ here is that none of us know what transpired and how it transpired, other than what Eddie tells us. RD in his even mindedness is guessing, as are you. If in doubt blame Quade we understand. If in doubt blame the bloke who has been uncontroversial in the extreme for over half a decade at least, who has been aiming up at this cup for two years at least, half of which he has spent in rehab. At least a year longer than the ‘classy’ coach has had the gig. RD, classy in his ignorance dives in, with your support, neither of you with real evidence. Old age is inevitable but prejudice can last forever. Petulance? Eddie: Hold my beer. Selection? It’s as easy as ABC.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Never said he was a villain, mate. You're arguing with your own straw man. But single-minded and focussed, well, everybody says that. Comparing him with other single-minded and focussed people doesn't really help your line of argument.
Swede
Roar Rookie
Bernard Foley turned down Dave Rennies offer to be part of the Wallabies in 2021.Quade jumped at the chance.
Ruckin' Oaf
Roar Rookie
Well initially only two people on earth would have known that Cooper refused to take Jones call. Somehow the media also found out very quickly. But it's not a leak. What have I fallen for I find that hard to relate to a high road. Can you fall for a high road, interesting concept
Capt Sensible
Roar Rookie
And the attack coach bales out a few days later... certainly not a good look.
cookie
Roar Guru
Hi Peter, Yeah I get it. I'm not overly sensitive to comments but the world has moved on from belittling race, ability, sexuality, gender etc. I only point it out when it has nothing to do with the issue.
Rugbynutter
Roar Rookie
I thought Quade had matured…obviously note…
Cannonball
Roar Rookie
Yeah, that’s mostly true. Had a falling out with Robbie Deans too, or it might just have been the Wallabies set-up. Wasn’t meant to be a disparaging comment, just an observation. When you see/hear him at games, seems like a good team man. Although it’s sad he’s not in the squad, it was a bigger head scratcher during the Cheika reign.
Fin
Roar Rookie
Cec, I haven't commented on anything Eddie said.
Fin
Roar Rookie
I think I was discussing the definition of “taking the high road” and what I believe was an incorrect use of it. Still not sure what I have fallen for. I’m also not sure you are using the term “leaked” all that well.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ Maybe one took less money to be able to dictate his availability because he bleeds for his country and will always be there to help. Even when he’s not even in the squad.” Oh boy, Paul. Your slip is showing. Bernard everything good and noble, eh? Bleeds for his country? Bleeds? Your conjecture her might not be backed up by Carter Gordon. Bernard or Quade? It’s as simple as ABC.
ShortBlind
Roar Rookie
Agree Cec, that was good by Quade, but his wider body of work has rarely met that standard....which is the big point. He is too hit and miss, hence the word 'flaky'. Also, I wouldn't say he was solely responsible for those good results. The team played well and piggies stood up 4 a change to give him a platform.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
So Harry is funny articulate and was ‘only a forward’, so he’s down your list? The straws people clutch when their first three letters are A B C. As for Eddie, when he first became a test coach he struck me as a poor man’s Rod McQueen. He is vastly experienced, and has had some spectacular successes. I have acknowledged them in this forum. But his most recent run of victories was for a vastly more resourced nation. One that sacked him, for amongst other things, erratic selections. You don’t rate Quade. As is your right. I have many friends who would agree with you, (and the ball dropper and the Knight who failed as a coach). We could play this game forever, SB. As for age, Sexton is 38, and not as fit as Quade, and Ireland depend on him. When it comes to selecting tens, for some it’s as easy as ABC.