Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper snubbed for Sydney sevens

Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper has failed to make Australia's 12-man squad for this week's Sydney Sevens despite making a long-haul trip for the tournament.

The 27-year-old flew in from France on Tuesday night in a bid to win a place in the line-up as a first step to participating in the Rio Olympics.

But Australia's new sevens coach Andy Friend said Cooper ran out of time for the sell-out Sydney event.

"Due to circumstances which were beyond Quade's control and our control, he just couldn't get enough work in this week with the team," Friend told reporters.

"There is no doubt in my mind that he will be a tremendous addition to the squad as we build towards Rio," Friend added.

"Quade is going to get his opportunities during the series and we are really excited to have him here in our group and with us throughout this preparation.

"He'll spend the weekend embedded with the squad as well, that contact is a really important part of his learning process in a different version of the game."

Cooper moved to European powerhouse Toulon after a disappointing World Cup and the Mediterranean club have reportedly agreed to free him for three world series events.

While Cooper sits out the Sydney sevens, fellow Wallaby Henry Speight made the cut for the side captained by a returning Ed Jenkins.

The Australian Thunderbolts are seventh in the world series standings after three rounds of the 10-leg tournament.

Source: AFP