Kurtley Beale
Kurtley Beale, one of the most controversial figures in Australia, ended months of speculation about his future by signing a one-year extension to his Wallaby and Waratah contracts.
The 26-year-old Beale, who has played 49 tests, was fined AU$40,000 for sending a offensive text message team business manager Di Patston in June, and escaped having his contract terminated because there wasn’t enough evidence he sent a second, more lewd message.
The text message scandal blew up on a flight from South Africa to Argentina during the Rugby Championship when Beale and Patston argued of the player’s inappropriate dress code.
Beale was suspended, and Patston returned to Australia and quit.
The fallout included coach Ewen McKenzie, who quit in October just days before the Wallabies left for a five-match European tour which Beale later joined.
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The retention of his services is a huge boost for Waratahs and now Wallaby coach Michael Cheika, who will have the star playmaker available for the 2015 World Cup in Britain.
The 26-year-old talent has played 49 Tests for Australia and featured in 10 of a possible 14 Wallabies Test matches in 2014, which included two starts against New Zealand during the Rugby Championship.
After helping the Waratahs to a maiden Super Rugby title last year, Beale will return to the side under the guidance of Wallabies and NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika.
With his immediate playing future now settled, Beale can now put the dramas and controversies completely behind him and focus on the Waratahs’ Super Rugby title defence in 2015 and push for World Cup selection.
“I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and am grateful to the ARU and Waratahs for the opportunity to continue my career here in Australia,” Beale said.
“With the World Cup coming up, I’m looking forward to getting back out there and playing some good rugby for the Waratahs and hopefully getting selected for the Wallabies.”
Cheika was also pleased that Beale will again be available for Wallaby selection.
“Kurtley is a fantastic player who will add to our great talent pool of inside backs,” said Cheika.
“I’m looking forward to getting the best out of him again over the next 12 months.”
Since making his debut for Australia in 2009, Beale’s international achievements include a World Cup, a British and Irish Lions series and a Tri-Nations title in 2011.
The talented back has been an important player at a provincial and national level since he graduated from high school and will be determined to build on his 49 Test caps in 2015.
Beale became just the third back to win the John Eales Medal in 2011.
It is also a chance to add to his already impressive credentials since he signed his first contract with the Waratahs at age 16.
The Waratahs inside centre and prolific point scorer has notched up 475 Super Rugby points since he first debuted for the side in 2007, ultimately going on to achieve 86 of his 100 Super Rugby caps with the Tahs.
Known for his versatility in the back line as well as a fast-paced, attacking style of rugby, Beale returned to the NSW Waratahs in 2014 following a short two year stint with the Melbourne Rebels in 2012 / 2013.
He flourished under the guidance of Cheika and went on to play a key role in the Waratahs successful campaign to win the 2014 Super Rugby title.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to pull on the sky blue jersey and play for the Waratahs for another year,” said Beale.
“I love the Waratahs sty le of fast-paced, attacking rugby. It’s a new year and I’m excited for the season to start and to get the chance to get out there and play some great rugby again. There is nothing better to me than playing alongside my mates and in front of my family.”