Kurtley Beale's Wallabies comeback cruelled by 'horrible' injury while playing for Randwick
Updated . First published
UPDATED: Kurtley Beale's improbable Wallabies comeback has been cruelled by a ruptured Achilles tendon injury while playing for Randwick on Saturday.
The 35-year-old had been released by the national team at Beale's request to stay match fit in the Shute Shield against Eastern Suburbs at Woollahra Oval.
Randwick ran out 50-37 winners but celebrations were tempered by the sight of a pained Beale having to be helped off the field by two people, unable to put any weight on his right leg.
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Kurtley Beale is helped off the field. Stan
The Wallabies said Beale would have surgery on Monday.
Australia open their 2024 campaign against Wales in Sydney on Saturday.
"KB, obviously a massive shame to see him go down for the mighty Wicks yesterday," Wallabies outside back Andrew Kellaway told reporters at a community event in Hunters Hill on Sunday.
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"It could be anyone, but it's horrible to see.
"Even worse, KB is someone I grew up watching and then eventually playing with, he's someone who I consider to be a close mate.
"It sucks to see him right on the brink and then right back where he wants to be and we were all excited to have him back.
Australia fullback Kurtley Beale makes a break to set up the second Wallabies try. Getty
"Any injury sucks but especially when it's like that."
Brumbies star Tom Wright is likely to start at fullback at Allianz Stadium.
It was widely assumed that Beale's 95 Test career was over when he was stood down by Rugby Australia and the Waratahs following rape charges last year.
Kurtley Beale of the Force passes the ball. Getty
But Beale was found not guilty in February and returned to Super Rugby with the Force in April.
"It's super sad and everyone's feeling for Kurtley," Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight told reporters on Monday.
"No one really wants to hear someone doing their Achilles or a major injury like that, for sure.
"I'm sure everyone's probably sent him a message and really feeling for him."
The Wallabies also announced that Rebels centre David Feliuai had not reassembled with the squad in Sydney due to personal reasons.
Waratahs midfielder Joey Walton has joined the squad as a replacement.
