Quade Cooper eyes Wallabies World Cup comeback
Quade Cooper says he never retired and remains interested in a Wallabies comeback for the home Rugby World Cup.
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Veteran Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper says he has not retired from rugby and remains interested in a possible comeback for next year’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Quade Cooper Eyes Wallabies Comeback
Cooper, now 38, has been working in a coaching role with Japanese club Kintetsu Liners for the 2025-26 season, leading many to assume his playing career was over.
However, Cooper, who has featured 80 times for the Wallabies has made it clear he never officially retired. Cooper said he had been mentally tired when weighing up his future, but insisted he still believes he can play at the top level.
The veteran added that a home World Cup would naturally appeal to any player, whether a former international or an emerging talent trying to break into the squad.
“The thing is I never retired, I just had other opportunities that presented themselves and at the time when I was deciding do I want to keep playing, I was very mentally tired,” he said.
“So am I interested? I mean, who wouldn’t be, it’s a home World Cup and I still know I can play.
“So, of course, I’m interested, along with every other ex-player and every other up-and-coming young guy. I’m sure that everybody wants a piece of it in some way.”
Australia Face Fly-Half Question
Cooper’s comments come at a time when Australia continue to search for stability at No.10.
Former head coach Joe Schmidt used several different players in the playmaking role during his tenure, highlighting the lack of a settled long-term option.
Schmidt has now stepped away from the Wallabies job, with Les Kiss taking over ahead of the next phase of Australia’s preparations.
Les Kiss Looks At Current Options
Kiss has selected Carter Gordon, Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith as his fly-half options for Australia’s upcoming Tests against Japan.
Cooper’s potential return remains only an ambition for now, with no official recall confirmed. But his experience, 80 Test caps and previous World Cup pedigree could keep him in the conversation if he proves he is still fit and playing at the required level.
