Australia in the dark over Cooper reports

The Australian Rugby Union has not been able to shed any light on reports that Quade Cooper may have quit international rugby.

Speculation has been rife today that the 24-year-old, who was fined and hit with a suspended ban three weeks ago for comments about the Wallabies, has called it a day after being offered an incentive-based contract.

The ARU remains in the dark at present, with a union spokesman saying: “The ARU has had no communication with Quade or his management regarding the speculation.

“Questions regarding Quade’s future are a matter best addressed by Quade’s management.”

Cooper’s Super Rugby contract with Queensland is reliant upon his agreement with the ARU and if he is to walk away from the Wallabies he is expected to move abroad or switch codes to rugby league.