Second chance for Kurtley Beale to face the Lions again, this time representing his culture, pending recovery from injury

Injury ruled out what was supposed to be Kurtley Beale’s first shot at renewing his rivalry with the British and Irish Lions, 12 years on, but he is set to get a reprieve, selected to represent his culture.

Pending his recovery from a hamstring injury, Kurtley Beale has been given a second shot at playing against the British and Irish Lions again after being selected to represent the First Nations & Pasifika XV side in Melbourne next month.

A proud Darug man who has been capped 95 times by the Wallabies, Beale is among the initial batch of five players picked to play in the historic match at Marvel Stadium, 12 years after his last appearance against the famed tourists.

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Kurtley Beale in 2013 during the last Lions’ series against the Wallabies. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The 36-year-old is battling a minor hamstring injury which caused him to withdraw from the Western Force’s clash with the Lions on Saturday as a precaution, but with the historic clash with the First Nations still almost four weeks away, team officials remain hopeful he will get on the field.

Beale was a key player for the Wallabies on the Lions’ last tour to Australia in 2013. He agonisingly missed a late penalty attempt that would have won the first test for the Wallabies in Brisbane when his foot slipped but was part of the side that won the second test in Melbourne before losing the decider in Sydney.

Kurtley Beale’s infamous slip against the Lions. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Rob Leota, who last played for the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, was also selected in the side. He is of Samoan and New Zealand descent.

Another ex-Wallaby, Fijian-born backrower Seru Uru was picked, along with Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble, who is of Tongan descent and represented New Zealand at under 19s level.

Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead, a proud Barunggam man, also earned selection after representing Australia A last year.

The remainder of the playing squad will be announced later after the coaches were revealed last month.

Toutai Kefu will serve as head coach with former Wallabies Sekope Kepu and Glen Ella and ex-All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga assisting him.

Rob Leota has been selected in the First Nations & Pasifika XV side to play the Lions. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Wallabies’ legend Toutai Kefu will coach the First Nations & Pasifika XV side. Picture: Nick Wilson/ALLSPORT

“Playing against the Lions in 2001 is a memory I will always treasure and I am excited, on behalf of all our players and staff, that a new generation will get to experience that same feeling,” Kefu said.

“In selecting Kurtley, Rob, Seru, Charlie and Andy we have demonstrated our intent to field a highly competitive squad against the Lions featuring players who are both experienced on the international and domestic stages and in strong form for their Super Rugby Pacific sides.

“It promises to be a thrilling contest and a significant moment in the history of rugby.”

Originally published as Second chance for Kurtley Beale to face the Lions again, this time representing his culture, pending recovery from injury