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Beale eyes home World Cup after surprise Wallabies call-up
Kurtley Beale has been recalled to Australia’s rugby squad at 37, five years after his last Test, and hopes the return could lead to a place at next year’s home World Cup. His selection gives the veteran playmaker a chance to prove his form in the Nations Championship matches in Britain.
Beale has earned 95 caps, but an Achilles injury prevented a previous comeback attempt in 2024. Strong performances for Western Force helped bring him back into contention, according to assistant coach Jon Fisher, who said the selection was based on merit. Beale has a train-and-trial deal with the Force for next season and does not yet know whether he will join its main squad.
In short
- Beale, 37, is back in the Wallabies squad.
- He has not played a Test since 2021.
- He hopes to reach Australia’s home World Cup next year.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Recalling Beale gives Australia an experienced playmaker whose recent performances for the Western Force suggest he can still contribute at the highest level. A merit-based chance in the Nations Championship lets coaches assess his form directly and could strengthen the squad ahead of a home World Cup.
The case against
Selecting a 37-year-old who has not played a Test in five years carries risks, particularly after an Achilles injury interrupted his previous comeback attempt. The squad place could instead go to a younger player with more time to develop and build continuity before the World Cup.
Explained simply
Kurtley Beale is an Australian rugby union player who has played mainly at fly-half and full-back, positions that involve directing attacks and moving the ball around the field. He has won 95 caps, meaning he has played 95 times for Australia’s national team, the Wallabies.
Beale last played a Test, the term for an international match, five years ago. An Achilles injury interrupted an attempted return in 2024, but his performances for Western Force, an Australian club side, have brought him back into contention.
Australia is building towards next year’s Rugby World Cup, which it will host. Beale’s appearances in the Nations Championship, an international tournament that includes matches in Britain, give him a chance to show whether he can contribute to the team.