Top 15 of 2017: Beale reveals Indigenous jersey

Mon, Dec 25, 2017, 7:00 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
The Qantas Wallabies had their team photo today in the Indigenous jersey. See what is means to Michael Hooper to be leading the side in such an historic match.

It's been a big year in rugby on many different fronts, so RUGBY.com.au is taking a look back at the 15 biggest storylines of the year, based on the stories you read and reacted to.

#7: Beale reveals Indigenous jersey 

There were few more uplifting moments in rugby this year than the sight of Kurtley Beale launching the Wallabies’ first Indigenous jersey.

Beale teared up as he spoke about the significance of the move, at the jersey’s official launch in Redfern.


The 28-year-old was also given the honour of revealing the new jersey to the world on social media, while he was still in the UK with Wasps, the first person to don the jersey publicly.

The jersey, designed by Dennis Golding, gave an extra air of significance to the third Bledisloe, which by then was a dead rubber in the scheme of the trophy.

An emotive Welcome to Country and an impressive Wallabies performance did the jersey justice, with its positive reception sparking calls for it to be used at least once a year.


Beale has said a more regular use of the jersey would be welcome, and the utility back has embraced the symbol and his heightened role as an ambassador for the next generation.

It seems likely the jersey will be rolled out annually after this year, and could play a role in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, though no official plans have been announced.

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