"Karma" - Former Wallabies star issues message to Dave Rennie and Rugby Australia

Rennie’s new role marks a remarkable turnaround. After three seasons in charge of the Wallabies, he was dismissed in early 2023 in dramatic fashion, with Rugby Australia ending his contract and installing Eddie Jones as his replacement. Later that year, Jones oversaw Australia’s earliest-ever exit from a Rugby World Cup.

Now, Rennie, who is of Cook Islands heritage, has made history as the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage. The 62-year-old secured the role ahead of other contenders, including Jamie Joseph, and has signed on through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Although born in New Zealand, Cooper represented Australia at international level. He began his professional career with the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby before stints with Toulon in France’s Top 14 and the Melbourne Rebels. He concluded his playing days in Japan with the Hanazono Liners. Primarily a fly-half, Cooper was also used in the midfield and at fullback earlier in his career.

In his message, Cooper reflected on Rennie’s turbulent exit from Australia and his subsequent rise:

"Shout out to coach Dave Rennie. After the way he was treated by our administration in Australia, to now find himself with arguably the biggest job in rugby feels like a little bit of karma. We let one of the best coaches in the game go. Not only did we let him go, we pushed him out the door. So seeing him land on his feet like this, I’m genuinely happy for him.

"The “what could have been” might still come back to bite us, especially with a home World Cup coming in hot. Funny how the universe works sometimes.

"Congrats to the All Blacks for appointing not just a top coach, but a good man who understands that the game is about people first. That will play a huge role in their culture.

"PS. You’re the enemy now though."