Ashley-Cooper takes on Brian O'Driscoll

Mon, Dec 21, 2015, 1:00 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman

Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll opened up a can of worms with a comment about Wallabies back Adam Ashley-Cooper overnight.

Ashley-Cooper debuted for Bordeaux in the European Champions Cup on the weekend and took exception with a comment O’Driscoll made about his motivations for moving to the Top 14.

Speaking on Irish radio, O’Driscoll was discussing the element of salary in player decision-making and made an example of the 31-year-old Aussie.

“You have to weigh up everything and money is going to become a really big factor in all this. Adam Ashley-Cooper didn’t go to Bordeaux to win Top 14 titles, he went for a bit of sunshine and a bit of money,” he said.

Ashley-Cooper posted a photo of the comment on Twitter, writing, “Hi @brianODriscooll. Regarding the below...I disagree. Strongly.”

Australia’s 114-cap Test veteran seemingly had the final word in the exchange on Monday morning.

A host of Ashley-Cooper’s Wallabies and NSW teammates backed up their friend, lead by Europe’s resident rugby banter brigade, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell.

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