Beale signs new Australia deal

by The TRU Team Friday 9 January 2015

Kurtley Beale has signed a new contract with Australia Rugby

©PA

Controversial Australia back Kurtley Beale has put himself in line for a place at the World Cup after signing a one-year contract extension with Australian Rugby.

Beale's international career looked to be over last year after he was fined nearly £25,000 for sending a lewd text to former business manager Di Patston with Patston and Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie eventually resigning in connection with the issue.

New coach Michael Cheika selected the 26-year-old for Australia's autumn tour to Europe and he will now be in contention for the World Cup beginning in September after signing a new deal which also ties him to Super Rugby franchise Waratahs.

"I'm really looking forward to the year ahead and am grateful to the ARU and Waratahs for the opportunity to continue my career here in Australia," Beale said.

"With the Rugby World Cup coming up, I'm looking forward to getting back out there and playing some good Rugby for the Waratahs and hopefully getting selected for the Wallabies."

Beale has made 49 appearances for Australia scoring 113 points since making his debut in 2009 and will be bidding for a second World Cup appearance after featuring in New Zealand in 2011.

"Kurtley is a fantastic player who will add to our great talent pool of inside backs," said Cheika.

"I'm looking forward to getting the best out of him again over the next 12 months."