CHANNEL Nine has reported that Quade Cooper is quitting the Wallabies after being offered an incentive-based contract, the type of contract usually reserved for international rookies.
Although Cooper is under a Super Rugby contract with Queensland, that agreement requires a contract to be entered with the game’s governing body – the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).
The ARU and Quade Cooper have experienced a difficult working relationship over the past few months, following comments from Cooper on the “toxic” environment in the Wallabies under coach Robbie Deans.
These comments earned Cooper a code-of-conduct hearing that resulted in a $40,000 fine and a suspension from playing. There is speculation that following this hearing the contract offer to Cooper was amended to the current incentive-based offer.
Further reports suggest Cooper is considering offers overseas in union, league opportunities in Australia, or may even take up professional boxing.
Cooper has offered no hints on his Twitter account, with the most recent tweets being pictures of himself with his parrot Paulie, and a photo taken with Mike Tyson posted to Instagram.
[ Source: Australian Times ]