Cooper signs on for World Cup

 

The New Zealand-born Cooper battled a left shoulder injury this season and he was forced to take seven months off after a right knee injury sustained at the 2011 World Cup.

 

He was a controversial figure at that tournament, which saw him claim plenty of abuse from crowds in New Zealand following a series of altercations with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

 

He's also had past disciplinary issues with the team, particularly during the coaching tenure of Robbie Deans. He referred to the Wallabies' "toxic environment" under Deans, and was fined $40,000 for bringing the game into disrepute.

 

The 26-year-old playmaker has been impressive as an impact player off the bench during the recent year-end tour to Europe and will be looking to add to his 53 Test caps next year.

 

“I really enjoyed the tour, even though some of the results weren’t what we wanted. We’re working hard to improve and I’m confident we’ve got a great group of players going into 2015,” Cooper said.

 

“I love being at the Reds and playing rugby for Australia, and am looking forward to the opportunities next year,” he added.

 

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika congratulated Cooper on his new deal.

 

“I’ve really enjoyed coaching Quade on the 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 year-end 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 Queensland Reds and has been announced as a member of their squad for the 2015 Super Rugby season.