Brumbies would 'welcome' Quade Cooper

The Brumbies and the Melbourne Rebels have expressed interest in discarded Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper, reaching out to him to gauge his interest.

Cooper turned down their advances, preferring to stay in Brisbane and make his way back into the picture at the Queensland Reds. That appears to be a long shot, with Reds coach Brad Thorn turning to young flyhalf Hamish Stewart when regular starter Jono Lance was injured.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar confirmed they are interested on Tuesday, with halfback Joe Powell also expressing a desire to have the ex-Wallaby join the squad.

“He’s a guy with a lot of experience and he would teach the younger guys a lot of things,” Powell said.

“We’d be happy to have him if he was to come.”

“He’d love to be playing footy at the higher level as well,” he said.

“If we could get him down to Canberra – I’m not sure he would like the weather too much – but it would be good to see him playing at a higher level again.”

The international flyhalf has been working hard at club level for Souths, determined to fight back into the Reds squad stating he will “not give up” on his goal.

“Work hard for what you want.. even when it appears there is no way, there is always a way .. persist and be patient.. grateful to be representing @SouthsRugby on this journey back to the Reds & Wallabies.. I will not give up,” Cooper tweeted.