Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Former Wallaby Kurtley Beale inks short-term deal with the Western Force

By Finn Morton
(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Wallaby Kurtley Beale is a Super Rugby player once again with the Western Force announcing that they’ve signed the 95-Test veteran until the end of the current season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beale, 35, joins the Force on a short-term deal after outside back Harry Potter was ruled out of the Super Rugby Pacific season with an ankle injury.

The 2011 John Eales Medallist brings a wealth of experience with him out west after a decorated international career which saw him represent Australia at three Rugby World Cups.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

Beale, who can play a number of positions including fullback and fly-half, played for the Melbourne Rebels from 2013-13 before going on to help the Waratahs win a Super Rugby title on a famous night in Sydney against Dan Carter’s Crusaders in 2014.

The former Wallaby has also played overseas in England with Wasps and later Paris-based French powerhouse Racing 92 from 2020-2022.

ADVERTISEMENT

But as Beale explained, the opportunity to sign with the Western Force and return to Super Rugby is a move the former Wallaby is grateful for.

“I’m excited to join the Force and I’m looking forward to making the move to Perth with my family,” Beale said in a statement.

“There’s enormous potential across the Force’s playing group and I’m eager to support the momentum they’re building.

“I know I have plenty to offer and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the game that I love.”

ADVERTISEMENT

After being stood down by the NSW Waratahs last year, Beale returned to rugby as the No. 10 for Randwick in their Australian Rugby Championship defeat to Brothers in Brisbane.

But with Harry Potter suffering an injury, that performance in Australian club rugby’s biggest game of the year led the Force to sign the experienced playmaker.

“With the recent injury to Harry Potter the door opens for Kurtley to join our squad. He will add valuable experience and rugby brains to our playing group,” coach Simon Cron explained.

“Kurtley has reached the top of the game during his playing career, playing at three World Cups, bringing up almost 100 Wallabies caps and winning a Super Rugby title.

“He also has very positive relationships with some of our existing squad members which was important in the decision.”

“We know where we want to take the club and Kurtley is an exciting addition in our plans for growth and success,” CEO Niamh O’Connor added.

“Throughout our discussions with Kurtley, he’s shown us his burning determination and passion for the game. He’s very keen to make the most of this opportunity to play Super Rugby again.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Kurtley and his young family to the club.”

Beale will begin training with the Western Force after the team’s upcoming five-day bye week.

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

LIVE NOW - Singapore SVNS Day 1

Fresh Starts | Episode 3 | Cobus Reinach

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 11

Chasing The Sun | Series 1 Episode 1

The Breakfast Show | Episode 7

Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road

Pacific Four Series 2024 | Canada vs USA

Japan Rugby League One | Verblitz v Eagles | 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

J
Jon 9 hours ago
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific

I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.

24 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING The Springbok Eben Etzebeth calls ‘one of the hardest men in rugby’ The Springbok Eben Etzebeth calls ‘one of the hardest men in rugby’
Search