Quade Cooper's playing future is in doubt.
Controversial Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper's plans to
follow his mate Sonny Bill Williams into the boxing ring could
be the final straw for the Australia Rugby Union.
Cooper's rugby future is in doubt after his employers the ARU
offered him only an incentive-based contract usually reserved
for rookies. The 24-year-old was Australia's highest paid
player last year.
A move to Japan or Europe or a switch to rugby league are on
the cards following the snub which came after Cooper
described the culture at the Wallabies under coach Robbie
Deans as "toxic". He was fined $60,000 and suspended for
three matches for the outburst on Twitter in September.
It is understood that Cooper, who is good friends with former
All Black Williams and has the same manager, Khoder Nasser,
is keen on boxing and could even fight on the undercard of
Williams' proposed bout with Francois Botha in February.
A Sydney television station said Cooper had "quit" the ARU
but a spokesman from the organisation said: "We've had no
communication from Quade or his management regarding his
contract over the past few days."
If Cooper has split with the ARU, his new three-year deal
with his Reds Super Rugby team is in severe doubt, but
Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael told
the Brisbane Courier Mail he still expected the first-five to
turn out for his team next year.
"I know the ARU have recently met with him and I'm respectful
that they will have mapped out what 2013 looks like for Quade
in their eyes as well," Carmichael said.
"I've heard of no issue about him not playing in Australian
rugby. I just know there's argy-bargy in every contract
negotiation."
Williams, who left the All Blacks this year to play rugby in
Japan and has now signed with the Sydney Roosters, was
allowed to box during the rugby season as it allowed the New
Zealand Rugby Union to pay him less.
He has said he will not fight during the NRL season.
Cooper, who was born in Tokoroa, provoked strong reactions
during last year's World Cup in New Zealand after his
constant on-field baiting of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw,
which included a knee to the head in a match in Brisbane.
Cooper said he was happy to be regarded as New Zealand's
Public Enemy No1 but played poorly in the tournament which
ended for him in a knee injury.
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