Australian utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper has revealed he is now cheering on France in the World Cup after the Wallabies were sent packing by England last weekend.
With the memory of Australia’s loss still fresh in his mind, Ashley-Cooper said it would be too painful to watch the semi-finals this weekend but said his time in Montpellier had given him cause to support the host nation.
"I am going for the French now," he said.
"And that is because of the way we were treated over there.
They were so nice to us, so hospitable and so helpful – it really changed my opinion of France and I loved every minute of my time there.
"It has made me consider my options for later on in my career – it is definitely a place I would like to go back to and play some rugby and just enjoy the country and its people."
Ashley-Cooper managed to erase some of the disappointment of being eliminated from the Rugby World Cup when he watched the Central Coast Rays defeat the Melbourne Rebels in the final of the Australian Rugby Championship in Gosford on Saturday afternoon.
Ashley-Cooper, born and bred on the Central Coast, watched on proudly as his home town defeated Melbourne 20-12 to claim the inaugural national rugby title.
"It was great to watch," said Ashley-Cooper, who only arrived back in Australia this week after the 12-10 defeat to England in the quarter-finals last weekend.
"That is the first time I have caught a game in this competition and I was impressed with the way it was played under the new rules.
"It allowed for a lot more ball in play which made for an exciting contest and some good tries."
