- Kurtley Beale’s rugby career could be over
- The 35-year-old man ruptured his Achilles tendon.
- He had been targeting a dream Wallabies comeback.
Scans on Kurtley Beale are expected to confirm the Wallabies veteran has ruptured his Achilles tendon, potentially ending his rugby career.
The 35-year-old, who was announced in Joe Schmidt’s 38-man first team last week, was helped off the field during a Sydney club rugby match on Saturday.
The utility back came off the bench for Randwick against Eastern Suburbs but was left untouched in the backfield.
A Wallabies spokesman told Beale he would undergo tests on Monday because he is suspected of having an Achilles tendon injury.
Beale was in line to return to the national team and continue his 95-test career, having last played for the Wallabies in 2021.
Australia’s first test under new coach Schmidt is against Wales on Saturday at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, with a second match in Melbourne on July 13.
Wales’ double-header will be followed by a single test against Georgia in Sydney on July 20.
It is understood Beale was allowed to play for Randwick after being told he would not face the Welsh side next weekend.
Kurtley Beale’s football career could be over after suffering a major injury
Beale had been recalled by the Wallabies but ruptured his Achilles tendon on Saturday.
He had returned to rugby this Superseason with the Western Force after a 12-month suspension by Rugby Australia following serious legal charges, of which he was cleared.
Having made his debut for Australia in 2008, Beale had said he hoped to press for selection for next year’s series against the touring British and Irish Lions.
“I’m super excited to be back amongst the lads and really excited about the opportunity ahead,” he said of his retirement from the Wallabies.
‘It’s been a while, but I’m ready to get started.
“Even though at the time you’d think it was a long shot, I always had a lot of confidence in myself.”
Schmidt, who took over after Eddie Jones’ disastrous World Cup campaign, will announce his squad for the matchday on Thursday.