Rugby union player Quade Cooper says Australia has repeatedly denied him citizenship — despite representing the country 70 times as a member of the national team.
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Cooper moved to Australia with his family aged 13 but still holds New Zealand citizenship, according to CNN affiliate Seven News. The 33-year-old represented Australia as a member of the Wallabies between 2008 and 2017, including at two World Cups. Cooper posted on Twitter about his rejected application on Tuesday, alongside a photo of the letter he received from the Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs.
“Awkward moment @ausgov refuse your citizenship applications (again)!