Wallaby Beale linked to French club
TRANSFER TALK: The Waratahs are set for a major blow as reports emerge that that veteran utility back Kurtley Beale is close to signing a deal in France.
According to the Daily Telegraph the 31-year-old star, who captained the Waratahs for the first time in his career on Friday, is set to depart for Top 14 club Racing 92.
Beale’s exit to Europe will leave a gaping hole in the New South Wales squad, the 92-test veteran is still available for international selection with the Wallabies after having met the 60-cap threshold required for overseas-based players.
Beale may not be the only Australian-based Wallaby with his sights set on France, as Melbourne Rebels duo Matt Philip and Luke Jones are expected to sign with Top 14 club Pau.
The loss of three internationally capped players in the form of Philips, Jones and Beale would come at a difficult time for Super Rugby, which is experiencing a raft of challenges to maintain fan interest as well as star power within playing ranks.
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Meanwhile, it has been reported that Australia’s governing body is expected to review its eligibility rules ahead of July’s test series between the Wallabies and Ireland in Brisbane and Sydney.
As reports indicate RA may look to halve the 60-cap threshold to allow the likes of midfielder Samu Kerevi and loose forward Sean McMahon to return to the national set-up.
Kerevi and McMahon are currently playing in Japan for Suntory Sungoliath.
Sources: Rugbypass & Daily Telegraph
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