Cooper rejects ARU contract offer, walks out on Wallabies

Controversial Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper has reportedly dropped a major bomb by walking out on Australian rugby.

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According to Channel Nine news the injured No.10 has turned his back on the Australian Rugby Union and the Wallabies and will look to continue his career overseas or switch to Rugby League.

Cooper has a Super Rugby contract with Queensland, but according to the Channel Nine report that agreement is contingent upon a contract with the game’s governing body.

The controversial playmaker has been at odds with the ARU for several months over his comment on the Wallabies set-up, including claims of a “toxic” environment under coach Robbie Deans.

Three weeks ago Cooper was hit with a AU$40,000 fine and a suspended playing ban in a code-of-conduct hearing into his comments.

Reports on Monday of Cooper’s decision to leave Australian rugby behind came after he was only offered an incentive-based contract by the ARU, of the kind usually reserved for international rookies.

If Cooper has indeed quit rugby, speculation is now growing on where his next destination will be.

Cooper could play Rugby Union abroad, perhaps Europe or Japan, but Rugby League is touted as another option.

Cooper may even take up boxing, following a similar path as fellow Kiwi-born superstar and close friend Sonny Bill Williams.

Judging by his tweeting activity recently, boxing might not be such an outlandish suggestion.