four months before the World Cup and after nine months of absence, Quade Cooper returns to the field
The Australian fly-half has returned to the pitch with his club Hanazono Kintetsu Liners after…
four months before the World Cup and after nine months of absence, Quade Cooper returns to the field
The Australian fly-half has returned to the pitch with his club Hanazono Kintetsu Liners after his serious injury more than nine months ago.
Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper played his first minutes of rugby in more than nine months in Japan last weekend, while coach Eddie Jones witnessed the clash of two other contenders for the number 10 golden jersey in Melbourne: Carter Gordon and Noah Lolesio.
Since taking charge, Jones has made it clear that Cooper is part of his plans for the World Cup later this year.
Four candidates for the post
The 35-year-old was out for a while after a ruptured Achilles tendon in August last year, but played in the first half of Hanazono Kintetsu Liners’ 36-14 win over Urayasu D- Rocks during the Japan Rugby League One promotion/relegation playoffs last Sunday. Alongside his longtime partner Will Genia, Cooper helped Kintetsu lead 19-7 at half-time and take a big step forward to retain their place in the top flight next season.
“It was a great feeling to be back on the pitchCooper said in a post on Twitter. It was good to be part of the victory and to continue the journey for another week. I felt good physically and had my third fastest acceleration in four years with this club, which is a good sign, as well as my second best burst of speed.“. For the World Cup in France in September, four players are expected to compete for the position. First Quade Cooper, but also Noah Lolesio, the Brumbies flyhalf, Ben Donaldson, the Waratahs flyhalf and the brilliant Carter Gordon of the Rebels.
