Australia Rugby Union insist Quade Cooper was offered substantial deal
Wednesday 21 November 2012 08:43, UK
Image:Quade Cooper: Linked with move to France
The Australian Rugby Union have rejected claims they offered Quade Cooper a downgraded contract.
Talented
Australia captain Nathan Sharpe says the loss of Cooper would be keenly felt by the international side.
"Quade is a very talented player," he said. "I suppose people have to make their decisions. It is an individual thing for the individual.
"I don't know too much about it but it is disappointing to hear. The more players you have like that in Australia, the better. But sometimes the chips don't fall where you want them to."
Ex-Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer admitted Cooper had polarised fans with his comments but says he should remain in Australia and prove a point to the ARU.
"There are a lot of rugby fans that are so disappointed with what Quade said that they would think he is better off going," he said.
"I didn't like what he did either, but I would like us to do all we can to help him not do it again, not throw him out with the dishwater."
