Beale’s ruptured Achilles tendon puts career in balance

Kurtley Beale’s rugby career could be over after a scan revealed that he had ruptured his Achilles tendon and he will undergo surgery on Monday.

Beale will certainly miss the upcoming July Tests against Wales and Georgia and would be in doubt to join the Wallabies spring tour in November given the extensive recovery timeline for the injury.

The injury has previously plagued the Wallabies, with prop Allan Allalatoa seriously injuring his Achilles tendon last July against the All Blacks, missing the World Cup, and only making his comeback this April for the Brumbies.

Beale suffered the injury while playing for Randwick in a Shute Shield game on Saturday after being released by the Wallabies training camp.

Beale came on as a substitute against Easts but was injured in the 59th minute and limped off the field at Woollahra Oval with the help of medical staff.

It is unclear if Beale was in contention for a spot in the Wallabies’ run-on side for Saturday’s Test against Wales in Sydney but coach Joe Schmidt agreed on Friday to a request from Beale to get some game time with Randwick.

A ruptured Achilles tendon which requires surgery usually involves a recovery timeframe of nine to 12 months.

Beale, 35, only returned to professional rugby midway through this Super Rugby season as injury cover with the Western Force, after spending more than a year out of the game while fighting sexual assault charges.

After being recalled to the Wallabies squad by Schmidt, Beale spoke about his desire to play 100 Tests for the Wallabies. He currently has 95 Test caps.

Kurtley Beale was named in the Wallabies squad for July’s Test series.Credit: Getty Images for ARU

Fellow fullback Andrew Kellaway spoke of his disappointment at Beale’s injury at a Wallabies fan day at Hunters Hill on Sunday.

“It could be anyone, but it’s horrible to see, but even worse, ‘KB’ [Beale] is someone I grew up watching and then eventually playing with, he’s someone who I consider to be a close mate,” Kellaway said. “It sucks to see him right on the brink and then right back where he wants to be and we’re all excited to have him back.”

Hunter Paisami who signed a two-year deal last month with Rugby Australia, after turning down an offer from Exeter in England, also paid tribute to Beale and highlighted his impact on the Wallabies.

“KB, he’s legend, he’s a good man and to do what he’s done to come back and play and be in that form coming back to the Force that’s really huge,” Paisami said. “I’m disappointed for KB.”

Kurtley Beale at Wallabies training last week.Credit: Getty Images

Beale, who last played for the Wallabies in 2021, spoke of his pride at joining the squad last week.

“When you’re sitting out on the sidelines for a long stint, you certainly learn to appreciate what you have and how special the Wallaby jersey is,” Beale said. “Representing your country in front of your family and friends at the top level is the ultimate.

“It’s the pinnacle of the game and it’s just an absolute honour and whilst you can still do it. You feel that you can still do it, that’s always the motivation is to prove yourself against the best in your country but then also internationally.”

Last week, Beale also spoke about his wish to continue playing for the Force ahead of next year’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

“I really enjoyed my time at this Force and I think I’ve mentioned, a big carrot would be part of [having] another crack at the British and Irish Lions tour,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has confirmed her 30-player squad ahead of July’s Tests against Fiji and New Zealand.

Reds scrumhalf Nat Wright replaces Samantha Wood who has been ruled out of contention with a back injury.

Reds teammates Tiarna Molloy and Madison Shuck are recalled in Yapp’s squad with the Forces’ Tamika Jones and Alapeta Ngauamo included and in contention to make their debuts.

Sports news and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.