ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Beale in as Cooper expresses hurt after opting out of Wallabies tour

BY Grant Constable  ·  Thursday Oct 28, 2021

Kurtley Beale and Noah Lolesio will be parachuted into the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Spring Tour, but the international future of Quade Cooper is in doubt after the star flyhalf opted to return to his Japanese club.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cooper has joined Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon in withdrawing from the Wallabies’ squad in a move that has left Rugby Australia fuming.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie had thrown all three players an international lifeline on the understanding they would be available for the upcoming Tests against Scotland, England and Wales.

Kerevi and McMahon announced their withdrawals earlier this week, while Rennie confirmed on Thursday that Cooper had also opted out.

Rugby Australia had relaxed its eligibility rules for this year to allow Rennie to select a number of the country’s overseas-based stars.

But this week’s backflip from Cooper, Kerevi and McMahon could have deep ramifications going forward.

Cooper’s Wallabies return sparked a five-match winning run, but the 33-year-old’s hopes of appearing for Australia at the 2023 World Cup are now in the balance following his shock decision to choose club over country.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cooper said on social media that he’s hurt by not being able to please his employer and his country.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Quade Cooper (@quadecooper)

“He’s torn,” Rennie said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“He wants to be here, he wants to be a Wallaby, but he feels loyalty to his club. In the end, he’s made a decision that he feels is the right one.

“We want guys who are desperate to be Wallabies. I know Quade says he is, but he’s torn. If he had the blessing of the club he would come.”

Rennie was non-committal when asked whether Cooper, Kerevi and McMahon’s chances of future selection had been affected by their withdrawals.

“I guess that’s a bit of crystal ball going on there,” he said.

When pressed about whether he thought the relationship with the three players could be salvageable and positive going forward, it was what Rennie didn’t say that spoke volumes.

“Again it’s really going to depend on what our policies are going to be beyond this year for a start,” he replied.

“We’ve got some boys based in France who are going to play in this series as well, then we’ll look at what the future looks like. So it may be irrelevant based on whatever the plans are going forward.”

Beale hasn’t played a Test since appearing for the Wallabies at the 2019 World Cup and will be rushed into the squad as cover for the No.15 jersey.

“We get a chance to look at Kurtley in our group and get an understanding of how he will fit in from a cultural and rugby perspective,” Rennie said.

Fit-again flyhalf James O’Connor will be entrusted to lead the side from No.10, with Lolesio drafted in after being a shock exclusion from the initial Spring Tour squad.

Star back Reece Hodge is set to miss the Spring Tour with a pectoral injury.

RELATED VIEWING:

Video Spacer

Related Articles

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    Bristol Bears break 20-year record with victory...

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks star Jordie Barrett discusses...

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    Gloucester's next 'Rees-Zammit' scores incredible...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 16 HOURS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

View All