- Kurtley Beale has signed a short-term deal with Western Force
- Found not guilty of sexual offenses by a Sydney court last month
- Utility back, 35, believes he ‘still has a lot to offer’
Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale has signed a short-term deal with the Western Force until the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 35-year-old back joins last-placed Force after returning to the field for the first time in 14 months for Sydney club Randwick in mid-March.
His comeback comes a month after a jury in a Sydney court found him not guilty of sexual offenses against a woman in a Bondi pub after a night out in December 2022.
Beale’s move to Perth comes at the right time for the Force, who will be without injured full-back Harry Potter and undergo syndesmosis surgery that will likely end his season.
“I am excited to be joining the Force and I look forward to moving to Perth with my family,” Beale said in a statement.
Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale has signed a short-term deal with the Western Force until the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season (pictured, recently in action for Randwick)
Beale’s comeback comes a month after a jury in a Sydney court found him not guilty of sexual offenses against a woman in a Bondi pub after a night out in December 2022
Beale is also mourning the death of his brother William (right), who died suddenly last month
“There is huge potential within the Force’s playing group and I am keen to support the momentum they are building.
“I know I have a lot to offer and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the game I love.”
After a 50-3 thrashing by the Blues at Eden Park, Force coach Simon Cron said he was looking forward to calling on Beale’s experience.
“With Harry Potter’s recent injury, the door opens for Kurtley to join our squad,” Cron said in the statement.
“He will add valuable experience and rugby brains to our playing group.
“Having previously coached KB, I know he is a player who will always help develop young talent and contribute to the leadership of the team.”
Force CEO Niamh O’Connor said the club saw Beale as integral to plans for future success.
“We know where we want to take the club and Kurtley is an exciting addition to our plans for growth and success,” said O’Connor.
“During our conversations with Kurtley, he showed us his burning determination and passion for the game.
“He is very keen to take advantage of this opportunity to play Super Rugby again.”