Wallabies star opts against joining growing exodus

NEWS: Thirty-year-old Wallabies back Kurtley Beale has signed a new one-year contract, after opting against joining an exodus of Australian players following the World Cup.

The decision keeps Beale with his much-depleted Super Rugby side the Waratahs, whose flyhalf Bernard Foley is headed to Japan and whose star fullback Israel Folau was sacked over controversial comments.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby here in Australia,” Beale said in an interview on Fox Sports television, saying he was “very excited to put pen to paper”.

Here to stay.
Breaking | The NSW Waratahs can confirm the re-signing of @kurtley_beale for the 2020 Vodafone Super Rugby season.

Read more: https://t.co/T4AiGASbnz#ForTheLoveOfRugby 💙🏉 pic.twitter.com/D3zORY9yVk

— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) July 30, 2019

Wallabies David Pocock, Will Genia, Christian Lealiifano, Will Genia, Samu Kerevi and Quade Cooper are all moving to Japan after the World Cup, according to reports, while another phalanx of players are shifting to Europe.

Beale has 83 Test caps and currently plays in the centres, but can play in most positions across the backline, making him a valuable squad player.

The John Eales medal winner said he was keen to win some silverware with the Sydney-based Waratahs.

“I feel like there’s a lot more to achieve in Australian rugby with the Waratahs as well, I know there’s a new generation of players coming through and I feel like I can put myself in positions to be able to achieve some special moments.”