Beale’s Wallabies career could be over after rugby injury

June 30, 2024, 6:16 PM ET

Kurtley Beale’s scans are expected to confirm the recalled Wallabies veteran has ruptured his Achilles tendon, which could spell the end of his rugby career.

The 35-year-old, who was named in Joe Schmidt’s first 38-man squad last week, received treatment from the field during the club’s rugby match in Sydney on Saturday.

The half-back came off the bench for Randwick against Eastern Suburbs at Woollahra Oval but went down unmarked in defence.

A Wallabies spokesman said Beale would undergo tests on Monday.

Beale was on course to return to international duty and play 95 Test matches since he last played for the Wallabies in 2021.

Australia’s first match under new coach Schmidt is on Saturday against Wales at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, with their second match in Melbourne on July 13.

Wales’ two-match match will be followed by a one-off Test against Georgia in Sydney on July 20.

It is understood Beale could feature for Randwick after being told he will not face the Welshman next weekend.

He returned to rugby this Super Season with the Western Force after a 12-month break from Rugby Australia following serious legal charges, of which he was cleared.

After making his debut for Australia in 2008, Beale expressed hope that he would be able to push his case for next year’s series against the touring British & Irish Lions.

“I’m just really excited to be back around the lads and really excited for the opportunity,” he said, reflecting on his memories with the Wallabies.

“It’s been a while, but I’m ready to step in.

“Although at the time you might have thought it was a distant prospect, I always had a lot of faith in myself.”

Schmidt, who took over after Eddie Jones’ disastrous World Cup performance, will announce his squad for the match on Thursday.

Andrew Kellaway, who could have played as a defender or on the wing in the first Test, said the loss of Beale was a blow.

“It was a real shame he was sidelined yesterday against a formidable ‘Wicks team,” Kellaway said on Sunday.

“We are waiting for the scans and seeing how he gets on, but we have a 38-man squad here so that will be the next man up.

“It’s scary, but the KB I grew up watching and eventually played with someone I now consider a close friend, so it’s sad to see it because it’s back to the edge of what it used to be.

“We were all excited that he was back and, knock on wood, it’s nothing serious, but any injury sucks, especially one like this.”

Kellaway said the Wallabies environment under Schmidt was completely different after a chaotic campaign with Jones as coach.

“Paying attention to detail – there’s a lot of good stuff happening,” the recently signed Waratah said of Schmidt.

“The most important thing is that we get the basics right and he conveyed that message brilliantly.

“After a year like the one we had last year, we were pretty frustrated and disappointed… this is another chance to get a win and move in the direction we want to go.”