Alun Wyn Jones will tell you that age is only a number after he played international rugby into his 38th year and now one of his old adversaries, Aussie ace Kurtley Beale, is set to follow suit. The veteran utility back has been called in the Australian squad for the second half of the Nations […]
Alun Wyn Jones will tell you that age is only a number after he played international rugby into his 38th year and now one of his old adversaries, Aussie ace Kurtley Beale, is set to follow suit.
The veteran utility back has been called in the Australian squad for the second half of the Nations Championship some five years after he made his last Test appearance – against Wales at Principality Stadium in 2021.
Now the 37-year-old is in line to add to his 95 caps having been called up to replace the injured Hunter Paisami. He made his debut as a replacement wing in the Wallabies 33-12 win over Wales in Cardiff in 2009.
That was the first of seven wins in a row for him over Wales – he scored the matchwinning try in the 80th minute of a 14-12 win in 2012 and also scored a try in the 21-18 triumph in 2017 – but has lost his last three outings against Wales.
Steve Tandy’s Welsh side face the Wallabies in their final Nations Championship match, ahead of the final placings matches at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, on 22 November at Principality Stadium.
“With Hunter’s unavailability we’re excited by what Kurtley can bring to the group. He’s got 95 caps worth of Test experience and whilst he will primarily cover inside centre he has the versatility to play a number of positions across the backline,” said Wallaby head coach Les Kiss.
“Kurtley’s also been in great form for the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby AUS and is excited to contribute to the environment.”
Kiss also drafted in former Northampton Saints full back James Ramm and Kalani Thomas to finalise his squad. Ramm will link with the Western Force ahead of 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season having played a key role in Northland’s run to the NPC final in New Zealand.
The 28-year-old can play fullback and wing and won the PREM Rugby title with Saints in 2024. Thomas will meet up with the squad after his Australia A commitments, with Tate McDermott expected to have to return to Australia for the arrival of his first child during November.
“James is a player we’ve kept a keen eye on for a while and his form for Northland has been exceptional in recent times,” added Kiss.
“He’s someone who knows the UK well having spent a very successful period with Northampton and can cover multiple positions across the backline.”
Wallabies Squad
Forwards (19): Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies, 96 caps), Miles Amatosero (Waratahs, 2), Angus Bell (Waratahs, 60), Josh Canham (Queensland Reds, 9), Massimo De Lutiis (Queensland Reds, 5), Tom Hooper (Exeter Chiefs, 25), Isaac Kailea (Waratahs, 9), Tom Lambert (Queensland Reds, 0), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 49), Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds, 18), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Force, 32), Billy Pollard (Brumbies, 26), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Queensland Reds, 50), Lachlan Shaw (Brumbies, 6), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 18), Taniela Tupou (Racing 92, 74), Rob Valetini (Brumbies, 71), Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 35), Harry Wilson (captain, Queensland Reds, 45)Backs (16): Kurtley Beal (Western Force, 95), Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds, 25), Ben Donaldson (Western Force, 27), Carter Gordon (Queensland Reds, 13), Isaac Henry (Queensland Reds, 6), Len Ikitau (Brumbies, 56), Max Jorgensen (Waratahs, 30), Ryan Lonergan (Brumbies, 15), Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds, 57), Declan Meredith (Brumbies, 5), Harry Potter (Waratahs, 18), James Raam (Northland, 0), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Waratahs, 27), Kalaki Thomas (Queensland Reds, 3), Teddy Wilson (Waratahs, 0), Tom Wright (Brumbies, 53)