Wallabies star Cooper denies Barbarians commitment
SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper denies he agreed to play for the Dave Rennie-coached Barbarians against Samoa in London in late November despite the invitational side announcing his selection.
Cooper and South African forwards Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe were the latest players announced for the November 27 clash.
The Barbarians said Cooper would join fellow Wallabies Len Ikitau, Nic White and Pete Samu in the famous black and white hooped shirt.
But the veteran playmaker said he remained contracted to his Japanese club and hadn’t agreed to play.
“At no stage have I agreed to play for the @Barbarian_FC in the upcoming game against Samoa. I’m contracted to the Kintetsu Liners,” Cooper tweeted on Tuesday.
FYI At no stage have I agreed to play for the @Barbarian_FC in the up coming game against Samoa.. I’m contracted to the Kintetsu liners. ❤️
— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) October 5, 2021
The 33-year-old Cooper was recalled to the Australian line-up this year and helped the Wallabies notch four wins in the Rugby Championship.
He’s expected to be named in Rennie’s squad for the Wallabies’ end-of-year tour which departs Australia in late October.
The Wallabies will play Japan in Oita on October 23 before three Tests in the UK.
Cooper is expected to join his Top League club’s pre-season training following Australia’s last Test against Wales on November 20.
The Barbarians said 35 000 tickets had already been sold for the Twickenham match.
Samoa announced Monday it couldn’t send a team due to COVID-19 travel restrictions but planned to field a “Manu Samoa selection” from players based in Europe.
