Australian rugby has scored a win in the fight for homegrown talent with Wallabies superstar Kurtley Beale committing to a return.
The 33-year-old is set to fly home from France, where he’s spent the last two years, following the conclusion of the Top 14 season, making him available for the Wallabies’ 2022 campaign, the Waratahs‘ 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition and the 2023 World Cup.
Beale’s return will give him the chance to become just the third Australian to feature at four World Cup tournaments, when the 2023 edition rolls around in France.
READ MORE: Bellamy reveals Papenhuyzen injury headache
READ MORE: Jose Mourinho red carded for crazy act
The New South Welshman has featured in 95 Tests with the Wallabies and most recently donned the green and gold for the spring tour in the United Kingdom across October and November.
Beale can play a host of positions throughout the backline and has spent most of the last two seasons in the No.15 jumper with his French club, Racing 92.
“I’m really happy to be returning to Australia and would like to thank RA and the Waratahs for allowing me that opportunity,” Beale said.
“There’s nothing better than representing my state and my country, and I’ll be working hard to earn the right to do both when I return to Australia.
“From what I can see the Waratahs and the Wallabies are building really strong cultures and environments, and I’ll be looking to contribute as much as I can to ensure that continues.”
Watch the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, streaming ad-free, live and on demand only on Stan Sport. Sign up for your free seven day trial!
Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos said Beale could have a strong influence in the twilight of his career.
“We’re really pleased that Kurtley is returning home and committed to Australian Rugby to the end of the 2023 season,” Marinos said.
“His decision is especially significant given the current rugby player market and speaks to his desire to represent both the Waratahs and the Wallabies again.
“We remain determined to be successful and play a brand of rugby that delivers results and engages fans. Kurtley has shown this in his career to date and we are excited to see the continued impact he can have as we build towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup.”
Beale is the second-most capped Waratah having played 148 Super Rugby games across 11 seasons for the club.
He’s also played 14 matches with the Melbourne Rebels.
Beale represented the Wallabies at the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!