Quade Cooper
Wallabies and Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper has committed to Australian Rugby for another year in a deal that will take him through until the end of 2015.
The 26-year-old flyhalf returned to national duty in the recent Spring Tour after overcoming an injury that curtailed his Super Rugby season and will be keen to add to his 53 Test caps next year.
“I really enjoyed the Spring Tour, even though some of the results weren’t what we wanted,” he said.
“We’re working hard to improve and I’m confident we’ve got a great group of players going into 2015.
“I love being at the Reds and playing rugby for Australia, and am looking forward to the opportunities next year.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika congratulated Cooper on his new deal.
“I’ve really enjoyed coaching Quade on the Spring Tour. He brings a lot to the team on and off the field,” Cheika said.
“He’s clearly a quality player and has proven himself at a state and national level for many seasons.
“From watching him play in Super Rugby, and during recent weeks, it’s clear he has a lot to offer and I’m glad he’s chosen to continue his future with Australian Rugby.”
Cooper bounced back from a shoulder injury earlier this year to reclaim his place in the Wallabies side for the final Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane.
He started in the No. 10 jersey for the Wallabies in their opening match of the Spring Tour against the Barbarians at Twickenham before playing a key role off the bench in three of the four remaining matches.
Cooper boasts an impressive winning strike rate having been victorious in 32 of his 53 Tests since debuting against Italy in 2008 and has accumulated 126 points in his Test career to date.
In 2012, Cooper signed a three-year deal with the Reds and has been announced as a member of their squad for the 2015 Super Rugby season.