Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Beale reveals revolting racial slur used against him on professional debut in South Africa

By Tom Parker
Kurtley Beale. Photo / Getty Images

Kurtley Beale has revealed that he was racially abused on his Super Rugby debut in 2007.

The Australia full-back did not say that the comments were always aimed directly at him, however he did say that he was called a “black c**t”.

ADVERTISEMENT

The interview was carried out by Headspace, a National Youth Mental Health Foundation. In the interview he revealed that he was struggling with alcoholism during the early stages of his career. In addition to this, Beale spoke openly about how his upbringing has changed how he is now as a man.

I’m a proud indigenous man. My culture is everything to me. Having that there, it certainly allows me to have my own identity and having that connection allows me to grow and gives me the spirit to keep leading my life in the direction I want. It just gives me that strength to keep pushing on through the tough times and allows me to be the person I am.

Video Spacer

It’s this kind of upbringing that in many ways could have helped him to overcome this tough stage of his life, where he claims that he had to deal with racism, during his debut in particular

There were instances where I’ve experienced racism. No one knew about it. It was actually my first professional game in South Africa,” Beale said. “At the bottom of a ruck and someone you know has called me a black c***. It was pretty hard to deal with, but whenever I felt that I would just go to my grandparents and they would keep telling to try and use it as a motivation to keep pushing on and keep moving forward in life.

Beale is currently gearing up to take on the Lions this weekend in the Super Rugby semi-final. Furthermore, the Australian talisman will be hoping to play a major role for the Wallabies in August.

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Chasing The Sun | Series 1 Episode 1

Fresh Starts | Episode 1 | Will Skelton

ABBIE WARD: A BUMP IN THE ROAD

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 9

James Cook | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

New Zealand victorious in TENSE final | Cathay/HSBC Sevens Day Three Men's Highlights

New Zealand crowned BACK-TO-BACK champions | Cathay/HSBC Sevens Day Three Women's Highlights

Japan Rugby League One | Bravelupus v Steelers | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING ‘When two Titans meet’: Ex-All Black ready for ‘world-class’ Ethan de Groot Ex-All Black ready for ‘world-class’ Ethan de Groot
Search