Connolly calls for Cooper ban

Former Australia coach John Connolly says Quade Cooper should be banned for a year for his "unforgivable" lambasting of the Wallabies.

Cooper’s Wallaby career is hanging in the balance following his criticism of the team’s conservative gameplan and ‘toxic’ environment and his reluctancy to don the national jersey until things change.    

Connolly, who briefly coached the Wallabies from 2006 until their quarterfinal exit at the 2007 World Cup, said the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) should take stern action against the outspoken flyhalf.

"It's unforgivable what Cooper did," Connolly told Radio Sport New Zealand. "You can't imagine one of the All Blacks criticising [coach Steve] Hansen and the game.

"It's just ridiculous what's happened and I hope [the ARU] do make a strong statement. He's said he doesn't want to play for his country - well then that's fine.

"I don't think you treat the Wallabies coach or the country or the jersey or speak about the game the way he did without some severe ramifications - maybe a 12-month suspension from the game."

Cooper, however, could escape punishment with incumbent Wallaby coach Robbie Deans on Friday revealing he'd spoken to him earlier this week.

Deans said he would talk to him again following Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash at Suncorp Stadium and nodded when asked if he was confident there would be a resolution to the ongoing saga.

24-year-old Cooper is eager to continue his career at the Reds in next year’s Super Rugby tournament but will be unable to do so without signing an ARU contract.