Out of my hands: Cooper
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Wallaby fly-half Quade Cooper has decided to put his rugby union career on hold as he prepares to make his debut in the boxing ring next year.
Cooper's future has been uncertain after he reportedly reacted furiously to the incentive-based contract offered to him by the Australian Rugby Union after an outburst at the "toxic" environment within the national squad.
The Reds player said on Monday he had been boxing for months as part of his rehabilitation from knee surgery and was preparing for a fight on February 8 on the undercard of a contest featuring former All Black Sonny Bill Williams.
"As it stands now, I'm still contracted (with the ARU) until the end of December," Cooper, 24, told a press conference in Brisbane.
"I don't really have an option to continue with rugby at the moment, so for now I'm just focusing on getting my body right.
"I'm still training with the Reds, I'm still contracted with them. I'm just putting my full focus on getting my body right for the upcoming boxing fight."
Cooper was hit last month with the biggest fine in Australian rugby history for his outburst on social media in September about the "toxic" environment at the Wallabies and the defensive style of coach Robbie Deans.
The outspoken fly-half also stated that he did not feel he could play for Australia at that time.
He was fined Aus$40,000 ($41,800) plus a further Aus$20,000 suspended for two years. The player was also slapped with a suspended three-match ban for his comments and later apologised for his behaviour.
With his ARU contract about to expire, speculation has mounted that Cooper will switch to the National Rugby League or join a rugby union club in Europe.
Despite getting ready to box, he said his passion was still for rugby.
"Rugby's the game I love. I was brought up playing rugby union and rugby league. It's something I hold very close to my heart," he said.
"My desire for rugby will never fade. I very much love it, but it's out of my hands at the moment."
Former All Blacks centre Williams this month confirmed his return to rugby league, agreeing a one-year deal with the Sydney Roosters in Australia.
Williams will fight South Africa's Francois Botha in a heavyweight bout in Brisbane on February 8. Cooper will contest the cruiserweight division on the same card against an as yet unnamed opponent.
Comments
new_j4a says...
@jonesy2, I hate him because he reminds me of pricks like you.
Posted 10:44 28th November 2012
ben7 says...
GET SBW TO FIGHT SHANE CAMERON! HE'LL LAST 20 SECONDS! OR EVEN BETTER, DAVID 'THE TUAMANATOR' TUA!
Posted 10:18 27th November 2012
jonesy2 says...
that hate and vilification is confusing me greatly. can each of you reply and tell me why you hate him and the rest of it so i know if its different reasons or similar ones or whatever. im being serious by the way. my problem with cooper is more or less who he associates himself with and how his borderline thug of a manager seems to brainwash and control him but thats not really a personal issue with quade. oh and if you dont know why you hate him simply state that as youre answer, there is no right of wrong response in this survey. cheers
Posted 10:12 27th November 2012
Manu99 says...
I would pay to go see Botha take on both of them at the same time.
Posted 02:54 27th November 2012
ferdie says...
He can practice sparring at any of the three North Stradbroke hotels now, as his six month 'barred for disprderly conduct' has now expired - may even be a few Queensland locals who'd like to snot him one on the nose.
Posted 02:11 27th November 2012
doyley says...
This is pretty annoying, most players would kill for the talent he possesses, love him or hate him and he's throwing it away because there weren't enough 0's at the end of his pay check. Rugby is better off without someone who thinks they are bigger than the team.
Posted 23:50 26th November 2012
Heathy says...
This is completely hilarious. Just when you thought the guy couldn't make you laugh anymore, he decides to have a boxing match. This is priceless. It is funny enough with SBW as for the love of god, what he is doing only he knows but at least he is the type (and even SBW is laughed at as who does he box? Old men that are past it!).
This I really do have to see. It'll be on the comedy channel late one Monday night. Oh deary me.
Posted 23:19 26th November 2012
isthatrightref says...
He said it wasn't about the money; he said he wanted to wear the (sic) yellow jersey again... option (a) complete his rehab, honour his Reds contract & do it so well that he command a place in the wobblies; option (b) pick up some easy pocket money in Feb to tide him over 'til the first cheque from Japan or France comes in.
Oz sports fans hate one thing worse than a loser & that's a quitter... should the wobblies manage to beat the Lions next year guess which he'll be remembered as?
Posted 22:02 26th November 2012
Ripzy007 says...
He wants to be SBW but unfortunately he (QC)can't box; can't tackle (same as SBW who sometimes comes in with the shoulder 'league' charge). Unfortunately SBW is gifted with the looks and DEFINITELY NOT YOU Mr Quade wannabe SBW LOL...
Posted 21:07 26th November 2012
melkdave says...
Looks like a lot of wallaby fans are going to get there wish.To see QC knocked about and out.Carnt believe he even thinks his good enough to be a profesional boxer lolol.
Posted 19:43 26th November 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
BananaBok, show some respect, Botha fought some of the greats and even at 45 would back himself to beat a guy who's basically an amateur.
Good on Quade, least he's showing some stones and doing something, respect to people who don't die wondering what might have been.
Also read that SBW was willing to pay half Quades NRL salary if he wanted to switch codes. Sounds like a top man.
Posted 19:28 26th November 2012
craigsman says...
"Cooper will contest the cruiserweight division on the same card against an as yet unnamed opponent."
I hear Bakkies is trimming down a bit...
Posted 16:46 26th November 2012
JayStarr says...
My prayers have been answered ! I can think of nothing more entertaining than seeing Quade Cooper being knocked out.... I CAN'T WAIT !
Posted 16:07 26th November 2012
Golden_statenba says...
Maybe Hore should join them
Posted 13:21 26th November 2012
Pienaar1995 says...
Memo for Quade Cooper. WE ARE NOT INTERESTED!
Posted 12:50 26th November 2012
APV1 says...
For those who doubt his courage, this will be a real test. There's nowhere to run in a boxing ring and an opponent with good ring-craft will catch him if he tries. Let's see whether he has the mettle for this or not.
Posted 12:36 26th November 2012
piriaka says...
What a goose!!
Posted 12:03 26th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
A positive move.
Good luck Quade and don't let the B's get you down.
Posted 11:46 26th November 2012
ollieosprey says...
That picture makes me feel ill....
Posted 11:29 26th November 2012
scrumpoacher says...
Great player, greater idiot...
Posted 11:15 26th November 2012