Cooper pens Rebels deal

After being discarded by the Reds last Super Rugby, former Australian flyhallf Quade Cooper has been picked up by the Rebels ahead of the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Cooper boasts 70 test caps as well as 119 Super Rugby matches, at 30 years old. The playmaker will join the Melbourne-based side mid November as they begin preparations for the season ahead.

Cooper went on to say in statement, “I was really impressed seeing the improvement that Melbourne have made this year.”

“Their professionalism since the first discussion we had about me being a Rebel has been first class.”

Before the announcement, Cooper had a go at Reds coach and former opposition player Brad Thorne with an Instagram post of him handing Thorn off, which read “Sometimes you are forced out of the place you love but thank god there’s more than one place that loves me.” 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpOtxX9A52B/?utm_source=ig_embed

While Cooper has been playing second tier rugby for the past season, with his Brisbane club Souths, former Western Force and current Rebels coach David Wessels believes he has expressed a huge love for the game, as well as showing patience and maturity.

“He knows that he has some hard work ahead of him, but he has the potential to be a really important spark for us over the next few months. We’re excited to have him.”