Kurtley Beale recalled to Wallabies squad aged 37 after five years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 06:50 · Archive

Veteran playmaker Kurtley Beale has been recalled to Australia's rugby squad aged 37, five years after his last Test.

Veteran playmaker Kurtley Beale has been recalled to Australia's rugby squad for their UK spring tour, five years after his last Test against Wales. The 37-year-old will replace midfielder Hunter Paisami, who is unavailable due to personal reasons, and will add to his 95 Test caps. Beale will join the squad for next month's three Tests against England, Scotland and Wales, followed by the inaugural Nations Championship finals in the UK from 21 to 23 November.

Coach Les Kiss's decision marks a significant change in approach to Australia's troubled number 10 position. Since Bernard Foley guided the Wallabies to the 2015 World Cup final, previous coaches Joe Schmidt, Eddie Jones, Dave Rennie and Michael Cheika have used almost a dozen different playmakers. Players including Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson, Carter Gordon, Tane Edmed and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips have all been tried without securing the position. Kiss appears to be backing Beale's proven experience to stabilise the role ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. James Ramm and Kalani Thomas were also named in the touring group.

How it is being reported

• Beale called up for Wallabies Spring Tour ahead of Rugby World CupKurtley Beale is a chance to play his first Wallabies Test in five years as the veteran playmaker is named in Australia's squad for their Spring Tour of the UK.ABC News Australia · 28 Oct, 06:39
• Kurtley Beale earns shock recall to Wallabies squad five years after last TestVeteran playmaker could add to 95 caps as he returns aged 37 James Ramm and Kalani Thomas will also join Australia’s spring tour Veteran playmaker Kurtley Beale has been summoned for the Wallabies’ spring tour of the UK in a massive development ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. Beale on Wednesday answered an SOS call from coach Les Kiss to join the squad for next month’s three Tests against England, Scotland and Wales before the inaugural Nations Championship finals in the UK from 21-23 November. Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 28 Oct, 05:01

In this story: Kurtley Beale · Australia · Les Kiss · Hunter Paisami · England · Scotland · Wales

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