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Kurtley Beale’s dreams of taking on the British and Irish Lions have been revived after the veteran Wallaby signed a new one-year contract with the Western Force.
Beale, 36, was given a lifeline by the Super Rugby franchise nine months ago when Simon Cron drafted the experienced Wallaby into the side after Harry Potter suffered an injury.
Despite a four-year absence from Super Rugby, Beale immediately made an impact in Cron’s team, slotting in seamlessly at fullback and helping spark the Force’s backline alongside Wallabies playmaker Ben Donaldson.
Beale’s spark in the second half of the season saw Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt recall the veteran Test player at his first Test camp of the year.
But Beale’s hopes of becoming the first Indigenous player to play 100 Tests were dashed when the versatile back in club rugby suffered an Achilles injury in the Shute Shield that threatened to end his extraordinary career.
Kurtley Beale suffered a season-ending injury in the Shute Shield in June 2024. Photo: Christy Doran
The injury caused frustration as Beale discussed extending his time with the Force.
Six months later the two parties came together when Beale signed a new contract with Cron.
Beale will play in the second half of the rescheduled 11-team competition, with the top six expected to advance to the finals.
“I am truly grateful that the Force has given me and my family the opportunity to continue my rugby career,” Bill said in a statement.
“We had a great time at the Force last year and I feel I will be able to achieve my goals by returning to a high-performance environment and a highly motivated organization.
“I am motivated to play rugby for the Force again and help them progress towards a finals series. Personally, I want to come back in the best shape possible so I can have the biggest impact on the team.
Kurtley Beale featured in the Force’s huge win over the NSW Waratahs at HBF Park in Perth on 18 May 2024. (Photo credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“Being in Perth is the perfect environment for me at the moment. Because you can focus on your work within a strong, high-performance program with great staff who encourage you to achieve your best results as quickly as possible.
“There is still work to be done and we will take it week by week, but I am confident that with the support of our medical staff, coaches and players, we will see positive results.”
Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman added that Beale’s influence at the club will extend beyond the pitch.
“We are delighted to offer Kirtley this opportunity given his contribution to Australian rugby and his IP last season, as well as the impact he has had within the group both on and off the pitch,” he said.
“We know he has work to do over the next few months to get back to full fitness, but he is very motivated. We want to give him the best possible environment to rehabilitate as best we can to help both the Force and his own Wallabies ambitions.
“We also know he will add significant value as a leader and mentor through his experience, so we are thrilled to have him return to Force HQ and offer this opportunity within Australia.”
Kurtley Beale wants another opportunity to face the Lions in 2025. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Beale has long said he would like to not only become the 14th Wallaby to play 100 Tests, but also get a second chance to face the Lions.
Beale infamously went down accidentally while attempting a long-range penalty in Brisbane on the opening day of the Lions Test in 2013. He featured at fullback in the series-levelling win in Melbourne a week later, as the Wallabies were crushed in Sydney. .
At the very least, Beale will be hoping to feature in the Force’s famous touring squad for the Lions tour opener in Perth.
Roar editor Christy Doran traveled to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org to explore the city’s electric sports atmosphere, outdoor adventures and renowned food scene. Click here to see his latest adventures in the Emerald City.
