Rugby: Pocock happy Cooper situation dealt with

Quade Cooper. Photo / Getty Images

Quade Cooper will have to wait to learn whether he is welcomed back into the Wallabies fold, but teammates are happy the five-eighth's controversial comments have finally been dealt with.

The playmaker was on Wednesday hit with two fines totalling $60,000 - $20,000 of which is suspended for two years - after being found guilty of two breaches of the Australian Rugby Union code of conduct.

An independent three-person conduct tribunal also handed him a three-game ban, also suspended for two years, following recent critical comments about the Wallabies' set-up in social and mainstream media.

"It's been dealt with, which is a good thing. We've got some clarity now,'' said Wallabies openside flanker and recent captain David Pocock on Thursday.

"For the moment, it's all just all about the spring tour.''

Ruled out of the four-match European tour starting this weekend with a knee injury, Cooper won't be available for Wallabies selection until the middle of next year.

Asked if Cooper would be welcomed back into the Wallabies squad, Pocock said: ``I think that comes down to the coaches and selections''.

While some of Cooper's comments cast doubt on his commitment to playing for Australia, he said on Wednesday he was hoping for a big 2013 with the Wallabies.

The ARU had put contract negotiations with Cooper on hold until after the conduct tribunal hearing.

Interim CEO Matt Carroll said the ARU would look at how to address Cooper's contract situation.

He has already re-signed with the Queensland Reds and is now expected to land another ARU deal.

- AAP