The Rugby Championship
Cooper set for club rugby outing
ESPN Staff
August 3, 2012
The Reds' Quade Cooper warms up for his side's latest Super Rugby outing, Reds training session, Ballymore, Brisbane, Australia, July 12, 2012
Quade Cooper will return to club rugby this weekend © PA Photos
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Quade Cooper will make a rare appearance in club rugby this weekend as he continues his preparations for Australia's assault on the Rugby Championship.

The Queensland Reds fly-half hasn't played since the final round of the regular Super Rugby season after picking up a one-week ban for a dangerous tackle on the Waratahs' Berrick Barnes.

Having sat out the Wallabies' June Test whitewash of Wales - while regaining match-fitness following a knee injury - Cooper is aiming to return to the Test stage against New Zealand in Sydney on August 18.

He will turn out for Souths in Queensland's Premier Rugby competition, against the Gold Coast Breakers, on Saturday and Wallabies boss Robbie Deans will be a keen observer.

With Pat McCabe - Australia's incumbent inside-centre - out for six weeks due to a stress fracture, Deans will require a midfield reshuffle. Barnes, Mike Harris and Anthony Fainga'a are all in the frame - leaving the door open for Cooper's possible return at No.10.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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