News - AU Rugby
Cooper wants to repay Toulon's faith after Sevens dream ends
ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
May 6, 2016
© David Rogers/Getty Images

Quade Cooper is focused on repaying Toulon's faith after he failed to make Australia's Sevens squad for Rio 2016.

Cooper was granted time away from Toulon to focus on Sevens with a view to playing in the Olympics but Australia coach Andy Friend ruled him out of the selection mix saying the fly-half had not been able to spend enough time learning the short-form of the game.

New Zealand-born Cooper cited passport and citizenship problems as part of the reason why he was ruled out of Rio.

"The situation is that it's difficult with my passport, having to be in Australia for 90 days before I can get my citizenship even though I've played 58 times for my country," Cooper said. "That's the frustrating part for me, not being able to get the passport and citizenship stuff sorted in time."

With the possibility of playing in Rio now off the table, Cooper is solely focused on playing for Toulon as they chase the Top 14 title. Cooper added: "The club has been very accommodating with the Sevens and now knowing that sevens isn't in the future, without being able to secure the passport and citizenship, I owe the club to play well and enjoy my time here, just focus on RCT and playing the finals and the future of the club."

And when asked if he wants to stay at Toulon amid reports linking with a move back to Super Rugby, Cooper responded: "I hope so. I came here right at the end of the season. It was very difficult to settle in as quick as I wanted to after the World Cup, with the Sevens.

"I'm grateful to the club for being accommodating to allow me to pursue those goals. Now they're finished and I have to put my focus into repaying the club for the faith they've had in me so far.

"Going into the future, I don't have a crystal ball that I can predict what's going to happen in the future, but I would love to continue on and also play some good football and enjoy it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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