Waratahs rule out signing Cooper for 2016

The Waratahs have confirmed that they will not be interested in signing Reds and Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

The Reds withdrew from contract negotiations with Cooper on the weekend after they became frustrated with what they felt were unreasonable demands from the player and his management.

In April Cooper signed a pre-commitment to join French side Toulon at the conclusion of the 2015 Rugby World Cup on a two year contract but he has shown interest in remaning in Australia and reports have linked him to the Waratahs.

Waratahs assistant coach Daryl Gibson who will take charge of the Waratahs next season says that salary cap restrictions and too many playmakers rules out any chance of Cooper joining them.

“For us, you know Quade’s a wonderful player. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love him to a part of the NSW Waratahs at some stage.”

“He’d be a great addition, but we’re full. We’ve got salary cap issues and also I think he’d be struggling to get a spot in our team,” Gibson told Rugby Heaven.

Cooper is understood to have an offer from the Australian Rugby Union but he will need a contract offer from a Super Rugby side to remain in Australia.

There is a possibility of Cooper remaining in Australia to play in the Sevens format at the Rio Olympics.

There is however also the matter of a $200,000 fee to release him from Toulon that will need to be dealt with.