Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper has suffered a suspected serious shoulder injury in the Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels.

Cooper was taken from Suncorp Stadium after just eight minutes following a jolting tackle by Rebels prop Laurie Weeks and winger Tom Kingston.

The Reds playmaker was treated for a left shoulder problem and replaced with his side leading 7-3.

The injury is a worrying blow for Test coach Ewen McKenzie who sits down this coming week to name a 32-man squad for next month’s three-Test series against France.