Western Force bring in ex-Wallaby star Kurtley Beale on short-term deal

The Western Force have added experience in the form of former Wallaby Kurtley Beale, who has signed with the club on a short-term injury replacement deal.

The 95-capped Wallaby has signed with the Force until the end of the season as cover for injured star Harry Potter.

Beale played for the Wallabies at three World Cups, came off the bench in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final and won the John Eales Medal in 2011 for Australian rugby’s male player of the year.

In February, Beale was found not guilty of sexual intercourse without consent over an incident in Sydney in 2022.

Notably, Beale was at the centre of an incident with Wallabies team official Di Patston while on tour in South Africa in 2014.

He was fined $45,000 by the Australian Rugby Union after an independent tribunal found him guilty of a serious violation of the ARU code of conduct, and imposed the fine for sending an offensive photograph.

Beale has most recently been playing for Randwick in their Australian Rugby Championship victory over Brothers.

Force coach Simon Cron has previously worked with Beale during their time together at the Waratahs, where the 35 year-old helped New South Wales win the 2014 Super Rugby title.

“With the recent injury to Harry Potter the door opens for Kurtley to join our squad. He will add valuable experience and rugby brains to our playing group,” Cron said.

“He also has very positive relationships with some of our existing squad members which was important in the decision.”

“Having coached KB before, I know he is a player who will always help to develop young talent and add to the team’s leadership on field.”

Force chief executive Niamh O’Connor said they saw Beale as an integral part of its plans for success.

“We know where we want to take the Club and Kurtley is an exciting addition in our plans for growth and success,” she said.

“Throughout our discussions with Kurtley, he’s shown us his burning determination and passion for the game. He’s very keen to make the most of this opportunity to play Super Rugby again.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Kurtley and his young family to the club.”

Beale said he was grateful to the Force for the opportunity to continue his career.

“I’m excited to join the Force and I’m looking forward to making the move to Perth with my family,” he said.

“There’s enormous potential across the Force’s playing group and I’m eager to support the momentum they’re building. I know I have plenty to offer and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the game that I love.”

Beale will commence training with the Force playing group in Perth following the men’s squad’s upcoming five-day bye week.