Career
Cooper has also played for Wales. His usual position was at lock. Playing Cooper represented Wales at a number of national levels, including Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21, as well as playing for the Wales "A" team
He was promoted to the senior national team in 2002.
The following season, he was again included in Wales" squad for the Tests in August. During the 2008-2009 season, he started coaching the Llanelli Reconstruction Finance Corporation forwards on a part-time basis, and was also used as an emergency back-row player.
In June 2011, Cooper announced his retirement from rugby due to a knee injury. He is currently the Scarlets" set piece coach.