Wallabies stalwart Quade Cooper can finally call himself a full-blooded Aussie in the eyes of the law.
Born in New Zealand but having moved to Australia as a teenager, Cooper received his Australian citizenship on Thursday after five years and five attempts.
Cooper, who plays for Japanese side Kintetsu Liners, was denied the chance to be selected for the Australia Sevens team for the 2016 Rio Olympics because he was not a citizen.
He had been repeatedly declined before a tweak was made to eligibility rules for “most talented prospective” applicants last year.
Ceremony done and after 5 years 5 attempts 75 test matches and a lot of help from the community and many people behind the scenes I can finally say I’m Australian. To my immigration officer Sarah Lolesio thank for for your efforts and countless hours of work. ?? #Grateful
— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) February 24, 2022
“Ceremony done and after five years, five attempts, 75 test matches and a lot of help from the community and many people behind the scenes I can finally say I’m Australian,” Cooper said on Twitter.
The 33-year-old playmaker has represented the Wallabies 75 times and starred in their 28-26 win over the world champion Springboks in September.
