He said: "It was certainly a lot easier to be a player back then when I was bit younger - I started with Llanelli when I was 18 and been here ever since and have some great experiences along the way. I know I've got a few more miles on the clock now but as long as I am enjoying playing and feel excited to pull the shirt, then I'll keep going. Besides, I think I've got quite a lot to give some of the younger guys coming through and hopefully pass that experience on."
Cooper has three Wales caps and been a Scarlets player for 14 seasons. He's made an impressive 353 appearances for the region and scored nine tries. Cooper's first game for the Scarlets was on 20th August 1996.
Cooper said he was never tempted to move away from the heart and soul of rugby in Llanelli saying it was the close-knit family spirit that has kept him at home with the Scarlets.
He said: "The history of our rugby speaks for itself and I've been a part of that; I've seen some great highs as well as some of the tougher times but throughout we've always had a great family team spirit and that's been important.
"I've be part of some great runs in the Heineken Cup and was fortunate enough to play with some of the Scarlets greats in my early days at Stradey Park - like Scott Quinnell, Ieuan Evans and Rupert Moon. You can't get better than that when you start out."
And now Cooper who admits he's one of the old heads helping push forward an emerging Scarlets side this season, says it's time to pass on his knowledge and experience and keep setting an example on the pitch.
He added: "I haven't really thought about when I'm going to hang up my boots - I feel as though I still have a job to do here. We've got a good blend in this squad at the moment and with lots of up and coming talent pushing forward, and keeping us on our toes - it's probably good to have a few old heads around too to pass on their knowledge and maybe keep a bit of calm at key times.
"I am looking forward to the game tomorrow and I'm grateful to the region and all its supporters for all the backing I had so far in my rugby career."
The Scarlets play Exeter Chiefs on Friday 27th August 2010 kicking-off at 7pm. Scarlets supporters are asked to arrive in plenty of time before kick-off if they are buying tickets from the stadium on the night.
