Rugby AU director of rugby Scott Johnson says the door is still open for Kurtley Beale to add to his Wallabies career despite his early contract release.
In a statement released on Tuesday confirming Beale would not be playing in Super Rugby AU, released early from his contract, Johnson said he
Beale had a self-admitted inconsistent start to the season and was believed to have fallen out of the players of national interest squad developed by the incoming Wallabies coaches.
The 31-year-old still qualifies for Test duties with 92 Tests to his name, well past the 60-Test mark needed to be eligible under the Giteau Law.
Johnson said in Tuesday's statement that Beale was still being considered in the Test frame, conditional on form, despite his move overseas.
“Kurtley has been a great contributor for Australian rugby over many years and I know he still has the desire to represent his country. He remains eligible for the Wallabies and if his form warrants it he will certainly come into calculations for selection," he said.
“Kurtley is aware of where he is at in his career and after deciding his future earlier in the year he is eager to get a head start with his new club. Under the current circumstances we viewed that as a reasonable request and he leaves with our full support.”
Beale paid tribute to the Waratahs in the statement.
“I’ve spent most of my career in my home state representing the Waratahs, it’s been an honour,” he said.
“I’m thankful for the many great people I’ve met over the journey and will cherish the memories I’ve made over the last eleven seasons.
“It’s a bittersweet moment to be leaving a place you’ve called home for such a long time, but this is an exciting opportunity to play overseas and the time is right to begin the next chapter in my career.
“I wish the boys all the best for the domestic season, it’s an exciting time for this group with plenty of guys who will carry on the traditions of the Waratahs for years to come.”
Waratahs coach Rob Penney said Beale was departing with the club's "blessing".
“Kurtley is an extremely talented player and synonymous with rugby in Australia,” he said.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have him at the Waratahs for a large portion of his career and the influence he’s had over our organisation’s success can’t be understated.
“He’s played a pivotal role in guiding through some of our younger guys this season, embracing his position as a senior player in the squad and contributing positively to what we’re trying to achieve as a group.
“The [COVID-19] shutdown has presented different situations for individuals and Kurtley heads overseas with our blessing and best wishes.”
The Waratahs take on the Reds in the opening Super Rugby AU round on Friday July 3, kicking off at 7:05pm AEST, LIVE on Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports. Buy a Kayo subscription here.
