Kurtley Beale wants Wallabies to wear indigenous jersey at 2019 Rugby World Cup
KURTLEY Beale has called for the Wallabies to wear their indigenous jersey at next year’s World Cup, but donning the inspiring strip in Tokyo could hinge on a coin toss.
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KURTLEY Beale has called for the Wallabies to wear their indigenous jersey at next year’s World Cup, but that could be decided by a coin toss.
Proud Aboriginal playmaker Beale believes wearing the special strip against England at Twickenham Stadium on November 24 will make a big statement to the world, but has proposed to showcase it in the biggest tournament in the game.
“It would be nice to wear it in a World Cup one day,” Beale said.
“You have two playing strips in the World Cup, to be able to have the jersey in the back pocket just for a big game, I know that it can galvanise the group leading up to a big game.
“I certainly felt that last year.
“But I think it’s a special jersey to be able to wear and I know a lot of the playing group are full behind it and support it and would love to continue such a special thing.”
VOTE BELOW: Should Wallabies wear indigenous jersey at 2019 World Cup?
If the Wallabies do want to use the indigenous jersey as their alternative strip in Japan next year, they may have to get through a coin toss first.
The World Cup rules state that coin tosses will be conducted for all playoff games to decide what strip each country will wear.
For the pool games, Australia can wear the indigenous strip if it does not clash with a rival and they agree to the alternate.
Beale believes exposure of the indigenous culture at the World Cup would promote Australia in a positive light.
“I think you can only see the reaction of when we wore it against the All Blacks last year and to be able to wear it on such a big stage it pays a lot of respect to what we’re actually doing,” Beale said.
“I don’t want to go down the politics side of it but it’s just a huge thing and it would make a huge statement to the rest of the world (about) how we’re travelling down under.”
The match against England will be only the second time the Wallabies have worn the indigenous jersey.
“It would be great to be able to wear this jersey throughout the year, I know there’s full support from the playing squad,” Beale said.
“I think the fans in general would love to see another strip out there.
“I think that recognises our first nation’s culture. It’s a special thing to be able to play such a tribute to the past players who’ve represented, special players who’ve represented the Wallabies in the past.”
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