A surprise Wallabies recall for Kurtley Beale, 37, for the Europe rugby tour

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Kurtley Beale has been recalled for Australia’s rugby Nations Championship tour to Europe, where the 37-year-old utility back may be considered for his first test in five years.

Beale played the last of his 95 tests for the Wallabies against Wales at Cardiff in 2021. He was selected for Australia’s squad in 2024 but had to withdraw with an injured Achilles.

He was selected to cover the absence of regular midfielder Hunter Paisami, who is unavailable for the tests against England, Scotland and Wales next month. The Wallabies squad leaves Australia on Saturday, and Beale’s inclusion will spark plenty of intrigue about his chances of making a fourth World Cup squad.

Australia is hosting the Rugby World Cup next year.

“With Hunter’s unavailability we’re excited by what Kurtley can bring to the group,” Wallabies head coach Les Kiss said in a statement released Wednesday. “He’s got 95 caps worth of test experience and while he will primarily cover inside center, he has the versatility to play a number of positions across the backline.

“Kurtley’s also been in great form for the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby AUS and is excited to contribute to the environment.”

James Ramm and Kalani Thomas were also added to Australia’s touring group on Wednesday.

Kiss guided Australia on an unbeaten streak in his first six tests as head coach before losing both Bledisloe Cup matches to New Zealand earlier this month.

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