The Wasps have confirmed the signing of Kurtley Beale, officially ending speculation over his future.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said as late as Friday morning’s captain’s run that he still considered Beale’s future as undecided, while neither the club nor ARU officially confirmed the move.
On Friday night, the English club confirmed the switch, announcing Beale as one of their overseas marquee players.
Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young said Beale would be a great boost for their attack.
“There are very few players in world rugby who can really excite people and get spectators on the edge of their seats. Kurtley Beale is one of those rare talents,” he said.
“Every time he gets the ball in his hands, you can sense the anticipation among those watching that something is going to happen.
“At Wasps, we like to play expansive, attacking rugby, and these are the type of players we want within our set up.”
Beale’s strength as a utility shone in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and Young said it would be an invaluable in their new recruit.
“Kurtley’s versatility is amazing when you think he’s played international rugby at 15, 12, wing and on occasion at 10. To sign an international rugby player who can perform in all those positions will be a great strength for us moving forward.”
Pleased to confirm @kurtley_beale will join Wasps for the 16/17 season from the NSW Waratahs https://t.co/LQ9ywMv0yi pic.twitter.com/1L96N9LVB3
— Wasps (@WaspsRugby) May 13, 2016
Beale said his decision was a difficult one, having been mulled over the decision in the last few months.
“I can’t wait to move to England and pull on the Wasps jersey,” he said on the Wasps website.
“It’s going to be difficult to leave the Waratahs at the end of this season - I first joined the Tahs when I was 16 and have loved every minute of it, but I feel the time is right to make this move.
“There was a lot to weigh up when making the decision, but I have always loved playing in England and the recent World Cup was an amazing experience. The passion for the game in Europe is huge and I want to be a part of it.
Beale reiterated his commitment to playing for the Wallabies in the statement, saying he felt his best rugby was yet to come.
“I am only 27 now and I know my best footy is ahead of me, both at club and Test level,” he said.
“I want to win trophies with Wasps in the Premiership and Europe, and continue playing for the Wallabies. It’s a privilege every time you get to pull on that Test jersey and if I’m lucky enough to be selected for Australia in the future, I’ll be ready.”
