Beale's Australia, Waratahs return confirmed

Wallabies back Kurtley Beale is returning to Australia, signing a two-year deal with Waratahs and the ARU.

Beale, 28, played for Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels before opting to head to England with Wasps.

The 60-Test veteran had confirmed he would be heading back to Australia, and his deal, beginning with Waratahs in 2018, was announced on Friday.

“It’s great to be heading back to Australian rugby. I’m really looking forward to getting back home to the NSW Waratahs but also hopefully pull on the gold jersey later this year as well,” Beale said.

“I think the best place for me and my rugby right now is in Australia and I love what Cheik [coach Michael Cheika] is doing with the Wallabies.

“l have to say thank you to Wasps though, for the opportunity they have given me and my partner and I have learned a lot about rugby and myself. It’s been a great experience.”

Beale last featured for the Wallabies in their loss to New Zealand in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

His return may allow him to push for a spot in the 2019 World Cup squad, and Cheika said Beale would likely get a chance.

“It’s great for Australian rugby that we have Kurtley coming back to play his footy on home soil,” he said.

“Even though he’s only been gone a year, it’s a very different Wallabies team now but he will have an important role to play for Australia and the Waratahs as well.

“He has obviously learned a lot from his time overseas so I’ll be looking for him to help the team reach higher standards this year.”