Australia's centre Adam Ashley-Cooper in action, during the Bronze Final match between Wales and Australia, held at Eden Park, Auckland, at the (RWC) Rugby World Cup 2011. 21 October 2011 New Zealand
Australia's centre Adam Ashley-Cooper in action, during the Bronze Final match between Wales and Australia, held at Eden Park, Auckland, at the (RWC) Rugby World Cup 2011. 21 October 2011 New Zealand
Veteran Wallabies utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper has ended the chase for his signature, announcing he will join French team Bordeaux on a two-year deal after next year's World Cup.
The 30-year-old admitted earlier this year he would pursue options overseas beyond 2015 but had kept his cards close to hischest, before stepping up negotiations following the Wallabies' miserable spring tour.
Ashley-Cooper remains pivotal to Australia's World Cup hopes, as an experienced outside back with the versatility to play centre, wing and fullback.
"I am extremely grateful for my career in Australia, and I want to thank the ARU (Australian Rugby Union) and the Waratahs for their support over the past decade," Ashley-Cooper, who has 104 Wallaby caps, told the Bordeaux-Begles website.
"Without them, it would have been impossible for me to write this new chapter.
