Quade Cooper calls Wallabies environment "toxic"

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) - Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper has described the environment within the Australian team as "toxic" in the latest of a series of public comments which appear to challenge the authority of coach Robbie Deans and the Australian Rugby Union.

Cooper, who is sidelined for several weeks after knee surgery, began on Thursday to post a series of Twitter comments which appeared to criticise the conservative style the Wallabies have adopted under Deans. He drew a contrast with the more open style he is able to play at the Queensland Reds Super 15 team, under former Wallabies assistant coach Ewen McKenzie.

Cooper hinted at administrative interference in the Wallabies setup, tweeting that there were events "going on behind and above the players that effect the whole organization!"