Quade Cooper is set to be allowed Australian citizenship after the government reported changes to qualification rules, making the way for “distinguished applicants”, for example, the Wallabies star.

The immigration minister, Alex Hawke, on Tuesday affirmed extra adaptability has been acquainted with perceive the exceptional hardships looked by people like Cooper.

Cooper had grumbled his touring schedule – and spells playing abroad – had prompted four past applications being dismissed.

The current standards specify that citizenship candidates probably lived in Australia for the beyond four years and were not missing for over a year during that time. They additionally state they should not have been missing from the country for over 90 days during the a year prior applying.

However, Hawke demonstrated a few exemptions could now be made for elite athletes like Cooper, alongside artists, businesspeople and researchers.

“Exceptional people must not be prevented from becoming Australians because of the unique demands of the very work they do that makes them exceptional,” Hawke said.

Cooper, who was brought into the world in New Zealand however moved to Australia when he was 13, meets all requirements for the Wallabies through residency. He has shown up for Australia, the latest coming on Sunday when his star turn directed the Wallabies to a vital success over title holders South Africa.

His presentation on the Gold Coast reignited requires his citizenship to be truly, with Rugby Australia CEO Hamish McLennan saying it would be the “right, Australian thing to do”.

McLennan disclosed to ABC Radio Brisbane on Tuesday that the unwinding of the standards was “thoroughly deserving for Quade”.

Labor’s home affairs representative, Kristina Keneally, who additionally supported for Cooper and other would-be Australian residents in comparative positions, said it was “a bloody great outcome for Quade and Australia”.

“I’m absolutely delighted that minister Hawke has finally taken action to allow Quade Cooper to become an Australian citizen,” Keneally said. “It’s about time this Australian sporting champion’s passport matched his jersey.

“This change will help a number of highly regarded residents to finally become Australians.”

Cooper said he was appreciative for the exposure his circumstance had been given and for the help he had gotten.

“I have to give my thanks to Kristina Keneally and her office for going into bat for me and the Australian public, who put a lot of pressure, and the media, on the government to take a look at not only my case [but others in a similar position],” Cooper said.

“It’s not over the line, but great to see the rule has been amended to make it a little easier for us. There would be countless others who’ve seen the news today and seen that little glimmer of hope.”

Cooper seemed 14 times more than three years for Australia’s under-20s and schoolboys teams prior to making his full Wallabies debut in 2008. He travelled on his New Zealand passport all through his rugby career, which has included two World Cups and winning the 2011 Super Rugby championship with the Reds.

In 2016 it was uncovered Cooper’s absence of Australian citizenship had denied him an opportunity for selection with the Australian rugby sevens Olympic team for the Rio Games.

“Australian citizenship is a rare privilege and it should not come easy,” Hawke said. “Those who apply must meet a range of character, values and language requirements. They must also have lived in Australia for a minimum period to be eligible.

“However, the unique work and travel demands on some of our most highly distinguished prospective Australians should not preclude them from making the cut.”