Ashley-Cooper to undergo tests before Top 14 return

Sun, Sep 4, 2016, 4:04 AM
AFP
by AFP
Adam Ashley-Cooper will undergo concussion tests before his Top 14 return. Photo: AFP
Adam Ashley-Cooper will undergo concussion tests before his Top 14 return. Photo: AFP

Veteran Australia back Adam Ashley-Cooper must undergo tests in France before playing again after suffering concussion against New Zealand last week, Bordeaux-Begles forwards coach Jacques Brunel said Saturday.

Ashley-Cooper played in a 29-9 Rugby Championship defeat to the All Blacks where the 32-year-old won his 116th cap, but suffered a head knock and had to be replaced after 17 minutes.

"We saw him this morning (Saturday) when he came to training," said Brunel.

"He's good, we'll give him a checkup next week with a neurologist to see if he can eventually be called on.

"But he seems to be physically and mentally fit to play," added Brunel ahead of Sunday's Top 14 clash against Montpellier.

Ashley-Cooper called time on his international career after the last World Cup, but had responded favourably to Australia coach Michael Cheika for a return to the Rugby Championship.

Bordeaux president Laurent Marti had expressed his frustration at having to release Ashley-Cooper, who signed with the French club before the introduction of the "Giteau Law" that allowed players with more than 60 Test caps to return to the Wallabies from overseas clubs.

Share
Dropped before a debut: The three minutes that moulded Reds halfback Werchon
Club Corner: WA & Victoria back in action, Norths draw with Sunnybank in thriller
Brumbies big guns stampede in for Hurricanes battle
Coleman looking for response from Nawaqanitawase after Waratahs recall