Beale admits to pressure and expectation at Wasps

Editor

Wasps' new recruit Kurtley Beale knows he'll be in the spotlight when he returns from injury to play for his new club.

Beale has swapped the Waratahs for Wasps and the process he's become one of the most high-profile signings in Premiership history. The former Australian rugby star will be one of the highest paid players in England, a tag which will come with a lot of pressure when he returns from a knee injury later this year.

"Obviously there is going to be a little bit of expectation and pressure," Beale (27) told BCC Radio 5 live.

"But I don't think it will be a huge problem for me because I really enjoy it when the pressure is on. If I get my leg right then I will be able to do my job and do it well.

"It's pretty frustrating coming in injured – not being able to do the things I am meant to do – but I guess when the opportunity comes I will be fighting fit and ready to go."

Beale's return will either be in November or December and as one of Wasps' marquee players his salary will be in excess of £500,000 a year – falling outside the salary cap.

He maintains he didn't just make the move for the money.

"A lot of people can say that, but it's a combination of things," said Beale.

"For myself and my partner it's just a great opportunity to experience a new culture, meet some great people and hopefully make some lifelong friendships."

Beale's career has been affected by off-the-field disciplinary issues in the past, but he says he has matured considerably over the last few years.

"The past is the past, and I felt like I have definitely grown up," Beale said. "No-one is perfect but I feel like I have definitely changed a lot, so I feel like I'm in a really good position at the moment."