Veteran utility back Kurtley Beale believes he still has what it takes to make a meaningful contribution to the Wallabies.
The 37-year-old was called up as a late replacement for centre Hunter Paisami ahead of Australia’s Nations Championship tour, earning another opportunity after a career interrupted by injuries and lengthy spells on the sidelines.
The Wallabies are gearing up to face England at Twickenham on Sunday. While the rest of the squad travelled from Sydney, Beale made the journey from Perth, where he plays for the Western Force.
“I was still pinching myself on the flight over, to be fair, but really glad to be here,” he said on Wednesday.
“I feel very honoured and it’s very humbling to be back in the Wallabies environment. It’s been a while now, but I’ve been working really hard. I just kept believing, to be able to get another opportunity, and obviously started that with the Force.
“The body’s feeling good. Physically and mentally, good to go.”
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Beale last played for Australia in 2021, making three appearances. His road back since then has been anything but straightforward.
After returning to the Waratahs in 2023, he spent more than two years out of professional rugby following an injury in 2022 and being stood down after facing a sexual assault charge. He was found not guilty at trial and returned to rugby with the Force in 2024.
Just weeks after being selected in Joe Schmidt’s first Wallabies squad in 2024, Beale ruptured his achilles tendon while playing club rugby, sidelining him for another nine months.
But even through the difficult periods, he was confident he could wear the gold jersey again.
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“With my experience, and being in and around the Force and Super Rugby the last couple of years, I always thought I was able to still add to the group, to the game, and I just kept believing,” he said.
“I felt like there was some unfinished business, but I guess the focus was always on trying to make sure my body was right, my mind was in a good headspace.”
Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
The post Beale never stopped believing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Veteran utility back Kurtley Beale believes he still has what it takes to make a meaningful contribution to the Wallabies.
The post Beale never stopped believing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
