Kurtley Beale has opened up on his recent recall to the Wallabies squad and revealed that he has set his sights on being chosen to represent his country at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Last week, Beale was a shock addition to Wallabies head coach Les Kiss’ squad for their tour of the United Kingdom alongside James Ramm and Kalani Thomas.

The Wallabies are set to face England, Scotland and Wales in the northern hemisphere leg of their Nations Championship campaign.

Kiss‘ selection of experienced utility back Beale has been a surprising one, and he replaces Hunter Paisami who is unavailable for the Spring Tour due to personal reasons.

Last played for the Wallabies five years ago

Beale was last named in a Wallabies squad in 2024 before an Achilles injury prematurely ended his season. His last international appearance for Australia was against Wales in Cardiff in 2021.

The 95-Test veteran is still highly rated in Australia and he is looking forward to make a positive contribution in the Wallabies environment.

“Very honoured, and very humbling to be back,” said Beale when asked to reflect on his Wallabies recall.

Kiss revealed that Beale would not be making up the numbers in Australia’s squad and despite admitting that his call-up caught him by surprise, the 37-year-old is determined to make the most of his latest opportunity.

“I was still pinching myself on the flight over … but my role now is to create some competition within the team,” said Beale, who has been plying his trade with the Western Force at Super Rugby Pacific level since 2024.

“It’s been a while now since I’ve been in the squad, but I’ve been working really hard.

“I just kept believing to be able to get another opportunity, and obviously started that with the Force, I’ve been chipping away at my work there, and really, really excited to be back and to add some value to the group.”

When asked if he ever thought that his Wallabies career was over after rupturing his Achilles in 2024, Beale replied: “No, with my experience, being in and around the Force and Super Rugby, I always thought I was able to still add to the group, to the game.

Continued to keep the faith

“I just kept believing. I felt like there was some unfinished business, but I guess the focus was always on trying to make sure my body was right and my mind in a good headspace.

“I’ve had great support with my family, my wife, and two kids, so I’m very blessed there, and really grateful that I’m here to be able to be amongst the lads, taking on some great nations up here. It’s another exciting opportunity.”

Beale feels he still has the ability to unlock opposing defences and believes he still possesses the X-factor which has made him so dangerous with ball in hand over the years.

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“I feel like if I’m training well, doing all the one percenters off the field over my role strategy, but if I’m adding value, I’m feeling good, then, a hundred per cent,” he said.

“I do feel like if I can be physically prepped, then I’m able to kind of go out there and just react to the game in front of me.

“Along with pinching myself, I feel ready. I genuinely feel really excited for the opportunity … Body’s feeling good, I’m physically and mentally good to go, and I’ve always built myself to be ready, so that if an opportunity came, I’m able to take it.”

And when asked if he still has ambitions of representing Australia at the 2027 World Cup, he said: “Absolutely. It’s always been a motivation of mine, but I’m not getting too far ahead of myself, and I’m just making sure I’m at my best here for the team, helping out wherever I can.”