Code-swapping Cooper eyes Olympic gold

Wallabies star Quade Cooper confirms his switch to flag football, with the aim to represent Australia when the sport debuts at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The 37-year-old playmaker, who wraps up his contract at Japan’s Kintetsu Liners soon, believes his skills suit the quarterback role in the non-contact version of American football.

“To be part of something that could potentially change the landscape… is pretty special,” Cooper was quoted by the UK’s Daily Mail.

The format features five-a-side teams and flag belts instead of tackles, making it fast, tactical and safer, Cooper added.

“To be able to do that and not have the head knocks, the broken bones… this is pretty exciting,” he said.

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The Olympic dream eluded the former Reds and Rebels flyhalf in 2016 due to citizenship issues. “I’ve finally got my citizenship… there’s no real hurdle apart from just ability,” he said.

American Football Australia CEO Wade Kelly welcomed Cooper’s move, with participation rising and squads set for a US tournament in June.

“Quade’s an exceptional talent… chasing flag football gold in LA28 is extremely exciting,” Kelly stated.

A 70-Test Wallaby and Super Rugby winner, Cooper is also recruiting, naming NRL stars Reece Walsh, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and recent code-swapper Joseph Suaalii as ideal teammates.

“You look at guys like Reece Walsh, like the Hammer… the way they move… how dynamic they are,” he said.

“If I can be one of the pioneers, great. It’s just something that I’ve always just loved.”

Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images