The NSW Waratahs are proud to announce the return of Kurtley Beale, with the star playmaker committing to Australian Rugby until the end of 2023.
Beale, one of the most exciting players of his generation, made his Waratahs debut in 2007 at just 18 years of age under Ewen McKenzie, representing his state on 148 occasions - the second most in history for the side.
The Waratahs have enjoyed considerable Super Rugby success with Beale, making the finals in six of his 12 seasons including starring in the Waratahs 2014 Super Rugby Championship win where he set up two tries in the Final against the Crusaders.
The versatile playmaker has also been a mainstay of the Wallabies set up since 2009, amassing 95 Test caps and winning the John Eales Medal in 2011.
A member of the past three Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squads, Beale’s return puts him squarely in the frame to become just the third Australian to feature at four World Cup tournaments.
Beale will return to the Wallabies and Australian Rugby following the conclusion of the 2021 French Top 14 season and will be available for the 2022 Wallabies' International season and the Waratahs' 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Returning Wallabies and NSW Waratahs back, Kurtley Beale said: “I'm really happy to be returning to Australia and would like to thank RA and the Waratahs for allowing me that opportunity."
"There's nothing better than representing my state and my country and I'll be working hard to earn the right to do both when I return to Australia.
"From what I can see the Waratahs and the Wallabies are building really strong cultures and environments and I'll be looking to contribute as much as I can to ensure that continues."
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman was delighted to have Beale back for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
“It’s going to be great having Kurtley back not only for the team but for the NSW Rugby public. He’s an excitement machine and his ability to play multiple positions is a real asset for us,” Coleman said.
“I’ve had a long association with Kurtley dating back to 2006 and he’s a really positive guy to have around. I feel he will be a great mentor for some of our young backs as they progress through their professional career.”
Waratahs General Manager of Rugby Andrew Blades said “We are thrilled have someone of Kurtley’s experience and stature back at the Waratahs and feel the experience he has gained playing overseas will be invaluable to our squad.
“It’s quite admirable that he’s left a very lucrative deal in France to come back to put himself in the best position for the 2023 Rugby World and speaks volumes about the passion he has for the Waratahs and Wallabies.”
