Controversial rugby star Cooper set for pro boxing debut

Quade Cooper will make his professional boxing debut in February, but, as yet, is no closer to signing a new deal with the Australian Rugby Union.

The 24-year-old, who was recently fined for publicly declaring the Wallabies had become a “toxic environment”, will fight as yet undetermined opponent on the undercard Sonny Bill Williams’ bout against Francois Botha in Brisbane on February 8.

The controversial playmaker last week rejected an incentive-based contract from the ARU, with his manager Khoder Nasser confirming there had been “a total communication breakdown” with the governing body.