After five attempts, Quad Cooper finally obtained Australian citizenship

Five years and five failed attempts. On Thursday, Quad Cooper, chosen 75 times with the Wallabies, was finally granted Australian citizenship on Thursday after five years and five attempts and having represented the country 75 times. Born in New Zealand, the 33-year-old moved to Australia as a teenager. As he became an Australian international, he has worn the Wallabies jersey 75 times.

His citizenship applications were repeatedly denied before a change in eligibility rules for “potentially talented” applicants was made last year. Last September, Cooper, who played a leading role in the Wallabies’ 28-26 win over the world champions in South Africa, doubled down on calls on social media to plead his case and for the government to finally accede to his request.

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“Celebrating five years, five attempts, 75 choices, a lot of behind-the-scenes events for the community and so many people, I can finally say I’m AustralianQuad Cooper said on Twitter, while thanking his immigration officer.

Half-Fly, who has represented Australia at two World Cups, has in the past reacted humorously to the refusal to grant him citizenship, even posting a letter of his refusal on social media in July. In 2016, the player, who now plays for Japanese club Kintetsu Liners, was denied permission to be selected for the Australian Sevens Rugby Team for the 2016 Rio Olympics, because he did not hold citizenship.

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