Super Rugby
Waratahs won't chase Quade Cooper
ESPN Staff
June 23, 2015
Waratahs say they have no room for Quade Cooper © Getty Images
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Waratahs coach in waiting Daryl Gibson has quashed speculation NSW could snap up Quade Cooper, even though he would love him to play for the Super Rugby champions at some stage. The Reds have made it clear on Sunday they would not attempt to retain long serving pivot Cooper, who the Australian Rugby Union are trying to keep, despite the playmaker having reportedly signed a contract with French club Toulon.

With Queensland no longer an option, there was talk the Waratahs, who boast incumbent Wallabies five-eighth Bernard Foley, could be a potential suitor, if Cooper remains in Australia.

"Quade is a wonderful player, don't get me wrong I'd love him to be part of the NSW Waratahs at some stage," said attack coach Gibson, who will be the Waratahs head coach next season. "He'd be a great addition but we're full. We've got salary cap issues and also I think he'd be struggling to find a spot in our team."

Sevens appears the most likely path for Cooper to remain in Australian rugby, with the 57-Test veteran likely targeted if the Men's Sevens side qualifies for the Rio Olympics. Cooper also has to deal with his $200,000 release fee from Toulon.

Gibson said fitness decisions on inside centre Kurtley Beale and winger Rob Horne would be made on Thursday, two days before their home semi-final against the Highlanders.

He was confident Beale and fellow backline superstar Israel Folau would sign new contracts and hoped announcements would be made in the next two to three weeks.

© AAP

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