Springboks tour key to keeping Cooper in Rugby | Thebigtip

By AFP from abc.net.au

Quade Cooper's time with the Australian team in South Africa over the next few weeks will help the playmaker decide to stay in rugby union, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said.

The in-demand Wallaby fly-half is in the midst of delicate contract negotiations with the Australian Rugby Union, which is trying to head off huge bids to coax him into the NRL.

Cooper, 22, is not expected to make a decision on his playing career before flying out with the Wallabies for South Africa on Friday for their two Tri-Nations Tests with the Springboks.

Reports said Cooper and his manager met ARU officials on Wednesday and progress was made between the parties.

The Australian Super 14 player of 2010, who is in the sights of NRL clubs Parramatta and Newcastle, could reportedly look to sign a one-year ARU deal which would keep him in a strong bargaining position for beyond the 2011 World Cup.

ARU boss John O'Neill said he will travel with the Wallabies to the republic and is likely to continue talking with Cooper in a bid to secure him from the advances of rugby league.

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