Kurtley Beale Joins Wallabies Squad Amid Tough Selection Process

Veteran playmaker Kurtley Beale has earnt a shock recall for the Wallabies after he was one of 38 players named in Joe Schmidt’s first squad as Australian coach that includes 13 uncapped players.

Beale, 35, last represented the Wallabies in 2021 but impressed selectors after he made a successful return with the Western Force this year having earlier been found not guilty of sexual assault charges.

Kurtley Beale hasn’t played for the Wallabies for three years. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Schmidt’s squad was always going to garner interest given there is so much intrigue over how they’ll perform after getting rid of Eddie Jones, with Tests against Wales and Georgia at home next month.

Established stars Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon were left out of the squad having signed NRL deals, which is the opposite to what the Blues did having named Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to make his State of Origin debut despite signing with rugby for 2025.

There are some familiar names in the squad with Tom Lynagh and Josh Nasser looking to follow in their fathers’ footsteps, with the group to assemble in Brisbane for a four-day camp ahead of the first Test against Wales on July 6.

Mark Nawaqanitawase was left out of the Wallabies squad having signed with the Roosters for next year. Picture: David Gray / AFPSource: AFP

“There were some very tight selection calls, as there always are when selecting a national team,” Schmidt said.

“The coaching group has looked hard at on-field performances and had ongoing discussions with Super Rugby coaches.

“We’ve combined the observations we’ve made with some candid discussion and feel that we have some very good players to start working with while also acknowledging that there are some good players who have missed selection.

“We have a short runway into our first Test, so we’re just keen to get to work and make as much progress as we can over the four days we have in Brisbane.”

FULL WALLABIES SQUAD:

Forwards

Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright

Backs

Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon

Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott

Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Nic White, Tom Wright

Unavailable for selection

Recovering from injury

Angus Bell, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Max Jorgensen, Rob Leota, Lachlan Lonergan, David Porecki, Blake Schoupp

Australia Sevens

Corey Toole