Quade Cooper joins Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon as absentees from Australia's tour of Great Britain
Quade Cooper joins list of absentees from Australia's upcoming tour of Great Britain; Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon pulled out earlier this week; Wallabies face Scotland (Nov 7), England (Nov 13) and Wales (Nov 20)
Thursday 28 October 2021 13:16, UK
Fly-half Quade Cooper has joined midfielder Samu Kerevi and loose forward Sean McMahon in opting out of Australia's tour of Britain in another blow for the Wallabies' hopes of finishing the season on a high.
Cooper has been one of the pillars of Australia's resurgence since he replaced inexperienced playmaker Noah Lolesio during the Rugby Championship, helping steer the side to five consecutive test wins.
"He's unavailable to tour," Australia coach Dave Rennie told reporters on Thursday.
"We spoke. He obviously wanted the blessing of the club (to tour).
"We talked about maybe some flexibility around the tour dates. In the end, he felt that he needed to support his club, his employer.
"We've accepted that and we've moved on."
Cooper said on Twitter: "My growth as a man is being able to admit I'm hurt. It hurts that I won't be on tour to Europe with my teammates, especially after experiencing so much growth and overcoming challenges each week.
"I'm hurt that I couldn't please everyone and keep both my employer and country happy. But although I am hurting now, the happiness I feel from my journey to this point far outweighs the hurt.
"This journey has no finish line and my efforts to continue to walk this path will not change. What's meant to be will be."
Lolesio will replace Cooper in the squad, Rennie added, though James O'Connor may also take the number 10 shirt for the November 7 test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
O'Connor played off the bench in the 32-23 win over Japan in Oita last Saturday and in back-to-back victories over Argentina.
Australia play England at Twickenham on November 13 and finish up against Wales in Cardiff a week later (November 20).
