Quade Cooper is eyeing a return to the Rugby World Cup stage at age 38, but according to Planet Rugby, the veteran playmaker faces a major hurdle because there currently is no appetite from an Australian Super Rugby club to sign him on a short-term deal. The player announced he “never retired” and wants another shot at international rugby, potentially inspired by the homecomings of contemporaries Bernard Foley and James O’Connor. However, unlike South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus picking Manie Libbok from Japan’s second division, Cooper is currently coaching at Kintetsu and hasn’t played a match since May 2025.
Super Rugby Roster Squeeze Limits Return Paths
Securing a domestic contract remains the primary obstacle for Cooper due to the limited spots across Australia’s four Super Rugby franchises. Planet Rugby notes that the Brumbies are satisfied with Declan Meredith and Tane Edmed alongside rising talents Oscar Shaw and Chase Oates, while the Reds hold only a Wider Training Squad spot behind Carter Gordon, Tom Lynagh, and Finn McKay. With Foley returning to the Waratahs and O’Connor closing in on a deal with the Western Force, positions and funding are running dry. While Rugby Australia’s eligibility policy permits new Wallabies coach Les Kiss three overseas picks, convincing selectors without regular club minutes will prove difficult unless an opening emerges, such as Will Harrison’s departure to Munster.
Waratahs Target Shute Shield Talent in Club Ranks
While established franchises are nearly full, the coach-less Waratahs have multiple vacancies and should scour club competitions like the Shute Shield, according to Planet Rugby analysis. Randwick’s Andrew Kellaway is shining in club rugby after missing out on Joe Schmidt’s Test squad in July, scoring twice and setting up another try with an out-the-back flick pass against Manly. Although the 30-year-old considered retirement, he remains uncontracted for next year alongside fellow 2019 World Cup member Isi Naisarani, who has built strong consistency for the Galloping Greens in 2026 despite durability questions.
Kiss Urged to Fast-Track Cale and Recall Kerevi
New Wallabies coach Les Kiss faces critical selection choices ahead of upcoming fixtures, with Planet Rugby reporting that 25-year-old back-rower Charlie Cale needs immediate integration onto the bench against Japan. Cale offers elite height, lineout capability, and sharp pace. In the midfield, with Len Ikitau sidelined by injury, Hunter Paisami is expected to return to the No.12 jersey for the Osaka Test despite managing a knee issue picked up against the Drua. Beyond immediate fixes, Planet Rugby argues that Rugby Australia and Kiss must contact Samu Kerevi to reintroduce the 33-year-old center to the Test environment, providing the size, power, and poise the Wallabies need one year out from a home World Cup.
Did you know? Samu Kerevi returned to his best form over the previous 12 months following a slow recovery period from the devastating ACL injury he suffered at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it difficult for Quade Cooper to return to the Wallabies?
According to Planet Rugby, no Australian Super Rugby club currently wants to sign the 38-year-old, and he has not played a competitive match since May 2025 while serving as a coach at Kintetsu.
Which players are uncontracted Super Rugby targets in club rugby?
Planet Rugby identifies Randwick standouts Andrew Kellaway and Isi Naisarani as capable performers currently playing in the Shute Shield without Super Rugby deals for the upcoming year.
Who is tipped to replace the injured Len Ikitau in the midfield?
Hunter Paisami is expected to step into the No.12 jersey to face Japan in Osaka, playing through a knee issue sustained earlier against the Drua, according to Planet Rugby.
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