Speculation rife on Cooper's next club after dramatic Thorn dumping

Reports have emerged that Wallaby first five Quade Cooper has been told he is surplus to requirements at the Queensland Reds and speculation is now rife about which club will likely sign him.

Reds coach Brad Thorn has allegedly told Cooper that he is no longer their first choice 10 and it is now speculated that Cooper will leave the club, most likely on a lucrative deal either in Japan or Europe.

Thorn revealed: ““I’ve had an honest conversation with Quade and where he currently sits in our plans.”

“He’s not training with the Reds at the moment and training with his club instead.”

The dumping of Cooper has sent shock waves through Australian rugby. The 29-year-old had a storied history with the club, earning 70 caps and steering them to a Super Rugby title.

Cooper had been linked with a move to Sale in the Aviva Premiership earlier in the year, where former teammate James O’Connor currently plays, although many expect him to chase a big salary in the Japanese Top League.

Thorn and Cooper had an on-field spat with Cooper when the controversial Wallaby bad boy famously kneed Richie McCaw in the face during the Rugby Championship back in 2011.

Cooper was named in the Reds squad earlier in the week, with just one other flyhalf named – Hamish Stewart. With Cooper also falling out of Wallabies reckoning in recent months, it is unlikely he will sign with one of the Australia other Super Rugby franchises, if indeed any would gamble on the divisive playmaker.

On a lighter note, Cooper queried whether there was a rugby club in New York, to which former Wallaby teammate Matt Giteau responded.

Curious.. is there a rugby club in NYC?

— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) November 21, 2017

https://twitter.com/giteau_rugby/status/933107694667382784