Wallaby veteran's career could be over after latest setback

INJURY UPDATE: Scans on Kurtley Beale are expected to confirm the recalled Wallaby veteran has ruptured his Achilles, possibly bringing an end to his career.

The 35-year-old, who was last week announced in Joe Schmidt’s maiden 38-man squad, was helped from the field during a Sydney club rugby match on Saturday.

The utility back came off the bench for Randwick against Eastern Suburbs but went down untouched in the backfield.

A Wallaby spokesman said Beale would go for scans on Monday, with an Achilles injury suspected.

Beale was in line to make his return to the national side and add to his 95-Test career, having last played for the Wallabies in 2021.

Australia’s first Test under new coach Schmidt is against Wales on Saturday at the Sydney Football Stadium, with a second match in Melbourne on July 13.

The Wales double-header will be followed by a one-off Test against Georgia in Sydney on July 20.

It’s understood Beale was permitted to turn out for Randwick after being told he wouldn’t face the Welsh next weekend.

He had returned to the game this Super season with the Western Force after a 12-month stand-down by Rugby Australia following serious legal charges, of which he was cleared.

Having made his debut for Australia in 2008, Beale had said he hoped to press his selection claims for next year’s series against the touring British and Irish Lions.

“I’m just super-excited to be amongst the guys again and really excited for the opportunity ahead,” he said upon his Wallabies recall.

“It’s been a while now but I’m ready to rip in.

“Although you’d think at the time it’s a long shot, I always had a lot of self-belief.”

Schmidt, who took over following Eddie Jones’s disastrous World Cup campaign, will announce his matchday squad on Thursday.