Cooper signs on for RWC11

Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has signed a new one-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union, ending speculation of a code switch to the NRL.

Cooper had been linked with a move to the Parramatta Eels, having apparently been unhappy with his initial offer from the ARU, but now says he had always wanted to stay in the game.

"I'm loving my rugby at the moment," Cooper said.

"I wanted to stay and I wanted to bring it to a head now because these negotiations have taken time – but that's to be expected because we're talking about my future.

"It was time to bring some certainty to my future and now I can focus on what's approaching, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup."

The 22-year-old has scored five tries in 18 Test matches for Australia.