Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper played his first minutes of rugby in more than nine months in Japan last weekend, while coach Eddie Jones watched two other shirt contenders clash number 10 gold in Melbourne: Carter Gordon and Noah Lolesio.
Since taking charge, Jones has made it clear that Cooper is part of his plans for the World Cup later this year.
The 35-year-old was out for a while after a ruptured Achilles tendon in August last year, but played in the first half of Hanazono Kintetsu Liners’ 36-14 win over Urayasu D- Rocks during the Japan Rugby League One promotion/relegation playoffs last Sunday. Alongside his longtime partner Will Genia, Cooper helped Kintetsu lead 19-7 at half-time and take a big step forward to retain their place in the top flight next season.
“It was a great feeling to be back on the court,” Cooper said in a Twitter post. It was good to be part of the victory and to continue the journey for another week. I felt good physically and I achieved my third fastest acceleration in four years with this club, which is a good sign, as well as my second best burst of speed. For the World Cup in France in September, four players are expected to compete for the position. First Quade Cooper, but also Noah Lolesio, the Brumbies flyhalf, Ben Donaldson, the Waratahs flyhalf and the brilliant Carter Gordon of the Rebels.