Australian Rugby
Ashley-Cooper commits to Wallabies
ESPNscrum Staff
February 7, 2011
Australia centre Adam Ashley-Cooper takes on Joe Rokocoko, Australia v New Zealand, Bledisloe Cup, Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong, October 30, 2010
Australia centre Adam Ashley-Cooper: Having too much fun down under © Getty Images
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Australian rugby has received another boost as Brumbies back Adam Ashley-Cooper on Monday joined Stephen Moore in committing to the Wallabies for the next two seasons.

Ashley-Cooper, one of the first names on the Wallabies team sheet despite his tendency to be moved around the back line depending on the availability of others, will stay on home soil beyond this year's World Cup and through to 2013.

The 26-year-old, however, could move on from the Brumbies to play in Sydney with the NSW Waratahs to be closer to his girlfriend.

Like fellow Brumby Moore, Ashley-Cooper said he hoped his decision would help stop a potential Wallabies exodus after the World Cup.

He said: "I feel that I've got a lot more to offer the Australian jersey. I am excited by what is coming up, both at the Rugby World Cup later this year and onwards through until the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2013. I think there is a lot more we can achieve as a team and I want to be a part of that. When it all came down to it as far as my future is concerned, I'm not ready to leave just yet."

Ashley-Cooper added in the Sydney Morning Herald: "I was very, very close to going so I'd imagine there are a lot of others in the same position. I'm hoping that my decision will help influence other players to stay behind as well. I think there's exciting times ahead and the Wallabies, with the progress they're making, I think there's just too much fun to be had."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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