Quade Cooper could play international rugby again – for a new country

The 38-year-old last played for the Wallabies against New Zealand on 5 August 2023. As of today, he has officially completed the required three-year stand down period, meaning he is now eligible to change international allegiance.

Born in Auckland, Cooper qualifies for New Zealand under World Rugby's eligibility rules. If he chose to switch and was selected by Dave Rennie, he could become an All Black.

Cooper moved to Brisbane in 2001 at the age of 13 and spent the vast majority of his career in Australia. He became a star with the Queensland Reds and went on to earn 80 caps for the Wallabies.

The veteran is now part of the coaching staff at Japanese club Kintetsu Liners, the side he last played for before his most recent professional appearance in May 2025.

Despite his age, Cooper recently made it clear he has not retired, although his focus appeared to be on a possible Wallabies return rather than representing New Zealand.

“The thing is I never retired, I just had other opportunities that presented themselves, and at the time when I was deciding do I want to keep playing, I was very mentally tired,” Cooper told The Australian.

“So am I interested? I mean, who wouldn’t be? It’s a home World Cup, and I still know I can play.

“So, of course, I’m interested, along with every other ex-player and every other up-and-coming young guy. I’m sure that everybody wants a piece of it in some way.”

Former Wallaby Matt Giteau also weighed in on the prospect of Cooper returning to international rugby.

“I assumed that he was out of the picture and retired. But then I saw that he actually didn’t say that.

“I’m just trying to read between the lines; maybe he’s got a good relationship with Lessie [Wallabies head coach Les Kiss]. Maybe with Joe [Schmidt] it just was never going to be. Maybe he’s got a better relationship with Les.

“But I agree with Drew, it’s gonna be tough to get a gig this late. I know that he’s with Kintetsu, but they got Manie Libbok at 10 there, so I don’t think they’ll give him a gig where he’ll get enough minutes to prove himself.”

Although an international comeback remains a long shot, Cooper's most realistic route back to Test rugby would appear to be with the Wallabies if he returns to club rugby and rediscovers his best form.

However, with his stand down period now complete, a call-up from Rennie's New Zealand side has also become a possibility.