What Is The A.R.U. Doing?

With reports abound that Quade Cooper has quit Australian Rugby, the wisdom of the officials has to be questioned. Although nothing official has been announced, the ARU has placed Cooper in a position where no positive outcome can be seen for the game.

Since the World Cup, Cooper has been the scapegoat for the ARU and media alike for everything that is going wrong with the Australian team. When Cooper made alegations of a toxic environment and imposed a fine of $40,000 and a suspended 3 match ban for his comments, there was only going to be one of two outcomes. Cooper accepted the punishment and both parties move on in a positive direction.

Instead it seems that the ARU felt that Cooper still needed to be punished and offered a new contract that can only be seen as either an insult or a sign to Cooper that he was no longer wanted. Why would the ARU offer a 24 year old player, who at his peak is one of the best game breakers in the game and undeniably the best in his position, a low-grade incentive contract that is usually the norm for rookie players who are yet to establish themselves at the top level. 

Considering the Rugby Union Players Association questioned the severity of the punishment and whether or not it was allowable under the collective bargaining agreement now gains more momentum. If the ARU is seen to be punishing Cooper further then it can only be seen that he is no longer wanted in Australian Rugby but instead of cancelling his contract which may have led to legal action they have tried to make Cooper quit.

If the reports of Cooper quitting are just a smokescreen to test the ARU and see if they offer a topped up contract is a gamble that may end poorly for both. Cooper is obviously on the outer in an organisation that has shown it has little regard for his services and if he is bluffing he will find he is looking for a new job very quickly. Is this how the ARU wants to be seen though? If Cooper walks away from the game the ARU might find more stories start coming to light and they won't be in a position to sanction or punish.

If Cooper does walk away from the game and blames the ARU then it will be interesting to see the reaction from the Queensland Reds. Will they look to take action against the ARU for compensation, which they would be quite entitled to do. 

It won't be long until the truth is known but the sentiments will stay the same. Quade Cooper is right. The ARU is toxic and it needs a clean out. Not of players though, this time the officials need to be evaluated.