D-Day for controversial Cooper
Outspoken Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper will be called to account for his criticism of the Australian set-up at a code-of-conduct hearing on Wednesday.
Cooper is expected to travel to Sydney next week where he will face a charge of bringing the game into disrepute following outbursts over the team’s ‘toxic’ environment and boring game plan.
Reds chief executive Jim Carmichael is hopeful that his injured playmaker will be cleared to sign a new deal with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) that would allow him to continue his career at the Queensland Super Rugby franchise.
''The most disappointing thing is the public thinks he has no pride in playing for Australia,'' Carmichael said of Cooper’s situation.
''Quade honours playing for his country. He's very disappointed that people have questioned his commitment.''
Cooper’s Reds team mate Will Genia, who was linked with a sabbatical in Japan next year, is understood to have resigned with the ARU in a deal set to be announced next week.
"I don't think there was ever any time where Will didn't want to be in Australia because otherwise he wouldn't have re-signed with the Reds," Carmichael said.
Genia is currently in rehabilitation following knee reconstruction surgery last month and is hoping to be fully fit in time for the Super Rugby opener against the Waratahs on February 23.
"He's got a little bit of a spring in his one step and he's even champing at the bit about coming back for our first home game against the Waratahs.
"If anyone can come back from that injury faster than normal it's Will."
"He tells me he's a little bit ahead of schedule and he's hoping."
