ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Quade Cooper credits former club with reigniting his love for rugby after return to the big time

BY Grant Constable  ·  Friday Feb 15, 2019

Melbourne Rebels’ Quade Cooper took to Instagram to thank his former club Souths after their win over the Brumbies in the opening round of Super Rugby.

ADVERTISEMENT

The former Wallabies fly-half spent 2018 playing for Souths in the Queensland Premier Rugby league, after being overlooked by Brad Thorn at the Reds in Super Rugby. Some would have thought that this could spell the end of his Test career with Australia, and indeed in Super Rugby.

However, the Rebels offered him a chance to save his career this season and it looks as though he has taken the opportunity with both hands. The mercurial player was quick to thank Souths for instilling a love of rugby back in him again.

The 30-year-old made a composed return to Super Rugby, steering the Rebels to a 34-27 victory away from home in Canberra.

He kicked 11 points from the tee, but showed a level of control that he maybe lacked at the beginning of his career. He kept the Brumbies pinned back in their half for the majority of the second half, as the Rebels came back from a halftime deficit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cooper also made a crucial try-saving tackle on centre Tevita Kuridrani in the opening minutes of the match, which could have completely changed the complexion of the game.

It also marked a return of his partnership with Will Genia, who also had a brilliant game. With performances like this one, there will be a growing consensus that Cooper may have a real chance of reclaiming the Wallabies number 10 shirt this year.

Meanwhile, All Black and long-time friend Sonny Bill Williams also took to Instagram before the game to wish good luck to Cooper on his return.

The Blues centre, who is in action tomorrow against the Crusaders, is just one of many in the rugby fraternity that is happy to see always entertaining Cooper back after a troubling year on the pitch.

Watch the Brumbies vs Melbourne Rebels match highlights

Related Articles

  • 78 WEEKS AGO

    Breaking down the greatest year of international...

  • 259 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 263 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 3 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

  • 4 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

  • 1 DAY 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

  • 3 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

  • 3 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'

  • 4 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

  • 3 DAYS AGO

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

  • 3 DAYS AGO

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

  • 6 DAYS 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

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

View All