Kurtley Beale to quit Waratahs
TRANSFER NEWS: He’s the state’s equal most-capped player at Super Rugby level, and it’s been confirmed Kurtley Beale won’t be returning to the NSW Waratahs beyond the 2020 season.
Beale will link up with Racing 92 in 2021, after the French outfit confirmed his signing.
Beale has amassed a decorated career at both provincial and international level since his Super Rugby debut back in 2007 – the state’s youngest ever debutant at 18 years and 27 days.
A product of St Joseph’s College, Beale has recorded 478 points for New South Wales which sees him sit fourth on the all-time point scoring list.
His time in sky blue was punctuated with stints at the Rebels and the London Wasps, sitting either side of a drought-breaking 2014 Super Rugby Championship.
A John Eales Medal in 2011 signified his arrival on the international stage, with now more than 90 Test matches and three Rugby World Cup campaigns to his name.
NSWRU General Manager of Rugby, Tim Rapp said that Beale had been a valued servant of rugby in New South Wales.
“Kurtley has been synonymous with rugby in New South Wales for the best part of a decade, and he’s been a valued part of our organisation – we’re certainly sad to see him go,” Rapp said.
“But this is a great opportunity for him to enjoy time playing overseas and everyone at the Waratahs wishes him all the best with the next chapter in his career.”
Rapp acknowledged that the current circumstances with COVID-19 has created a unique situation as Beale approaches the end of his time with the NSW Waratahs.
“It was great to see Kurtley get the opportunity to equal Benn Robinson’s appearance record in Canberra and pending a new domestic competition starting, we’re hopeful that we’ll see him turn out for the Waratahs before he heads to France,” Rapp added.
“He’s been a part of hugely successful Waratahs sides, earnt personal accolades at provincial and international level and become a senior figure in our squad over the last few years.
“His appointment as vice-captain this year and the role he’s played in mentoring our young backs has been fantastic to see.
“On behalf of everyone at the Waratahs, I’d like to thank Kurtley for his contribution to our organisation and the game in New South Wales.”
His departure leaves former skipper Michael Hooper as the only survivor from the Waratahs’ 2014 Super Rugby championship season.
Racing also confirmed the signing of Rebels lock Luke Jones.
Jones has spent the past two seasons with the Rebels but he is also no stranger to rugby overseas.
The lock spent three years with Bordeaux and his form with the French club impressed plenty in Australia and overseas.
Jones ultimately returned to Australia for a tilt at the 2019 Rugby World Cup but just missed out on the final squad.
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