Wallabies back Quade Cooper will play for the Reds in Friday’s Super 14 rugby trial match against the Western Force in his first appearance since being arrested on burglary charges in December.
The 21-year-old Cooper was cleared by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) on Wednesday to rejoin the Reds after completing the first stage of a counseling and personal development program. He faces trial after being arrested in early December over the alleged theft of a laptop computer.
“Quade has done everything we have required from him since he agreed to begin the program on December 18 and has earned the privilege to again be considered for selection,” ARU high performance manager David Nucifora said.
“However, Quade is also aware that we will closely monitor his performance in the program.”
Cooper will play at flyhalf on Friday and will likely start in the same position in Queensland’s opening Super 14 match against
New South Wales at Brisbane on February 13. — Sapa-AP