Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force bring back Kurtley Beale as Wallabies great continues injury rehabilitation

Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale is back with Western Force — and refusing to give up on his dream of returning to rugby field despite a career-threatening injury. The 36 year-old has returned to the Force, where he impressed as an injury-cover player last year, with a view to return to action late in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season as he continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury. Beale arrived at the club as an injury replacement last April and excelled as the Force made a late push for finals, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike for his leadership and on-field communication. He even earned a surprise Wallabies recall under Joe Schmidt, as he looked to add to his 95 games in the green and gold. But disaster struck while playing for Randwick in the Shute Shield in June on release from the national team squad, when he ruptured his Achilles. Now, the Force have offered Beale a chance to complete his rehabilitation at the club, with a view to take up an injury cover contract in 2025 once fit and available. It is a chance Beale has grabbed with both hands, with the versatile back having relocated to Perth with wife Madi and his two children over the Christmas break. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity the Force have offered myself and my family to continue on in my rugby career,” Beale said. “We loved our time at the Force last year and I feel I’ll be able to achieve my goals being back in a high-performance environment and highly motivated organisation. “I’m motivated to be back playing rugby for the Force and helping them push towards a finals series. On a personal level, I want to return in the best possible shape to have the biggest impact on the team. “Being in Perth is the perfect environment for me right now, allowing me to focus on my work within a strong high-performance program with great staff who’ll push me to get the best results to return as quickly as possible. “There’s still work to do and we’ll take it on a week-to-week basis, but I’m confident with the support of the medical team, coaches and players I’ll be able to see positive results.” Beale was on track with the Force this week on an individual program, as the club’s pre-season recommenced at McGillivray Oval. Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman said they were happy to offer Beale the opportunity in light of his strong performances and impact on the squad last season. “We know there’s work for him to do to regain full fitness over the next few months, but he is highly motivated. We want to give him the best environment to rehabilitate to get back to his best to help both the Force and his own Wallabies ambitions. “We also know he’ll add significant value as a leader and mentor with his experience, so we’re thrilled to see him back at Force HQ and offer him this opportunity within Australia.”