Australia flyhalf Cooper to miss start of Super Rugby

Australia's Quade Cooper (L) is challenged by Barbarians' Matt Stevens (bottom) and Angus Ta'avao (R) during their international rugby union friendly match at Twickenham in London November 1, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper will miss the start of the Super Rugby season after being sidelined for up to three months with a fractured collar bone sustained in training with the Queensland Reds.

It is a big blow to the 26-year-old, who missed four months of last season because of a shoulder injury and needs a strong Super Rugby campaign if he is to win back the Wallabies number 10 jersey from Bernard Foley in time for the World Cup.