Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver pulled no punches about what he thinks of Quade Cooper’s boxing career.
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Pulver made it clear that he’s against the Wallaby vice-captain risking injury in the boxing ring ahead of Cooper’s upcoming bout in Brisbane on January 29.
“Quade has an agreement in place which does allow him to participate in that. Personally I’m not a huge fan of it, I’ve got to tell you. I wasn’t around when that agreement was put in place,” Pulver told AAP.
“Quade in my mind has … done a great job for Australian rugby throughout this year, I could not be more glowing in my praise of his personal performance over the course of the last six months.
“My personal preference would be he’s not stepping into a ring but it is what it is.”
Cooper knocked out Barry Dunnett in his professional boxing debut in February and hopes to work his way towards a national title match in the next two years.
The Wallaby flyhalf, however, stressed that rugby will remain his top priority.
“It is [frustrating having one fight] if you look at it like that [earning a title opportunity] but I look at it that it’s great that I am even allowed to have one fight a year,” said Cooper.
“I think of it as a bonus being able to do something I love to do outside the parameters of rugby which I am basically doing 12 months of the year.
“I am in a very fortunate position. I don’t want the rugby world to think I am neglecting the sport and I don’t want the boxing community to think I am not treating it seriously.
“But rugby is my initial love. I am in a good head space with rugby.”