Cooper banned from a bar

Published: Wednesday, 4. January, 2012 in category Australia

Wayward and capricious Wallaby star Quade Cooper has landed in hot water again, but the Queensland Rugby Union moved swiftly to dispel rumours that other Reds players were involved in the latest incident.

The errant 23-year-old flyhalf has been banned from a popular southeast Queensland pub after an alleged altercation with a female patron.

The QRU confirmed in a statement that Cooper was ejected from the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel on December 30, after an altercation with a local male and his girlfriend.

Cooper's split with former girlfriend, swimmer Stephanie Rice, was made public last week.

A spokesman for the establishment, Michael Jackson, said the hotel had one rule for everyone when it came to behaviour.

"It doesn't matter who you are (or) how much money you're going to spend here," he told the Australian media.

"If you play up, it's not on and you won't be back."

The QRU said they are satisfied no other Reds players were involved in the incident - the latest in a long list of off-field infractions, which include Cooper being arrested for theft.

The QRU statement: "Channel Seven broadcast a news story on Tuesday 3 January containing incorrect information which implicated a group of Queensland Reds players into the alleged Quade Cooper bar incident last week on Stradbroke Island.

"A number of news outlets have since reported the incorrect information and printed it in newspapers and posted it on websites.

"The news story incorrectly stated a group of Reds players were involved in the alleged Cooper bar incident and were evicted from the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel along with Cooper.

"The Stradbroke Island Police and the General Manager of the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel confirmed to Queensland Rugby yesterday and again today that Cooper was the only Reds player involved, evicted and subsequently banned from the establishment.

"Queensland Rugby requests all news sources to withdraw the incorrect information from their websites and to publish corrections in their printed editions where necessary.

"For the record, Quade Cooper was ejected from the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel on 30th December after an altercation with a local male and his girlfriend. Stradbroke Island Police have advised that no action is warranted over the alleged Cooper incident, no charges will be laid and no further investigation is necessary.

"Queensland Rugby has fully investigated the matter and is satisfied that Cooper’s alleged conduct does not warrant any official disciplinary action.

"Queensland Rugby’s players are continually made aware of the high standards they are to maintain on and off the field and these will be reiterated upon the players’ return from annual leave."