Quade Cooper's still a Kiwi
He has not lived there since he was a teenager.
Australia's strict immigration laws means the he has apparently only just qualified to apply for citizenship. Under Olympic qualification regulations, all athletes chosen to represent a country must be a citizen of that country.
Among the requirements Cooper faces is an Australian citizenship test that every applicant needs to pass.
"He needs to sign those documents to become an Australian citizen and get an Australian passport. Once he's got that, then he is eligible. Then he has to go through the playing side and make sure we pick him," Australian Sevens coach Andy Friend said.
An Australian Rugby Union spokesman said Quade had still not completed his citizenship application.
"The wheels are in motion for Quade to secure his Australian passport. There is no timeframe on the process but we're not anticipating any obstacles," the spokesman said.
In case he was contemplating switching allegiances again, New Zealand Sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said the door was firmly shut on Cooper turning out for the All Black Sevens.
"He's a quality rugby player, he's been very passionate about playing for the Wallabies and I expect him to pass the citizenship test and line up in Rio. It would be unheard of for someone to play for the Wallabies in fifteens and then New Zealand in the Sevens. It wouldn't sit right," Tietjens said.
stuff.co.nz
