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England prop Will Stuart set to miss Six Nations after ruptured Achilles
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Brad Thorn’s decision to part ways with Quade Cooper just one year into his new contract is the beginning of a new era at Ballymore – a clear and bold move by Thorn to re-build a new identity and culture for the Reds.
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Cooper’s shock departure opens the door for recently upgraded 19-year-old Hamish Stewart to earn a regular starting role, after debuting in Super Rugby this year and earning four caps.
The Reds have seen a number of young flyhalves come through their system in the last two seasons – Jake McIntyre, Sam Greene, and Mack Mason – all highly touted prospects who the Reds failed to retain, in part due to accommodating Cooper’s return from a brief stint in France.
The young playmaker Stewart couldn’t have dreamed up this scenario 12 months ago – where he played Colts grade rugby with Bond University. Now he is set to be the long-term Reds flyhalf.