Share

Cooper gutted over injury blow

Sydney - Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper will miss the start of the Super Rugby season after being sidelined for up to three months with a fractured collar bone sustained in training with the Reds.

It is a big blow to the 26-year-old, who missed four months of last season because of a shoulder injury and needs a strong Super Rugby campaign if he is to win back the Wallabies No 10 jersey from Bernard Foley in time for the Rugby World Cup.

Cooper is to have surgery on his shoulder next Tuesday and could be replaced in the Reds starting line-up by new recruit James O'Connor, who started at flyhalf for Australia against the British and Irish Lions two years ago.

"I'm gutted to be missing the start of the season, but injury setbacks are something you learn to deal with and this isn't the first time I've had to come back from something like this," Cooper said in a news release.

"There's a lot of excitement among the group for the season, so it's good motivation for me to give myself every chance of getting back on the field as soon as possible."

The Reds, champions in 2011 but third bottom last year, start their 2015 campaign against the Brumbies in Canberra on February 13.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE