Beale returns to Waratahs

Editor

Kurtley Beale will be back in NSW colours next season after announcing a new one-year contract with the Waratahs and the ARU.

Kurtley Beale will be back in NSW colours next season after announcing a new one-year contract with the Waratahs and the ARU.

Now 24, Beale made his provincial debut back in 2007 at the age of just 18 and went on to represent NSW on 68 occasions in his the five seasons that followed.

After two years in Melbourne, the Sydney-born back returns to his home state next season, excited by the opportunity to write the next chapter in his state and international career.

After taking a break from the game in May this year, Beale made his return to the field for his Sydney club side Randwick. He underwent shoulder surgery in July but is expected to be back in action in time for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

“I'm really excited to be coming home and to be playing under Michael Cheika and the coaching team at NSW,” said Beale.

“I feel at home in Sydney, it's where my family are. The Waratahs are a team going places and I'm really looking forward to playing some good consistent rugby.

“I've made the decision to get my shoulder right, I hope this next year will be a big one for me. I'm excited by the World Cup on the horizon and I'm just looking forward to getting back to playing really good rugby, having a big year for the Waratahs and hopefully getting selected for the Wallabies.”

“Kurtley is an extremely talented player and we can't wait to see him back in a sky blue jersey and playing our style of game,” said NSW Waratahs' head coach Michael Cheika.

“The man is a great reader of the game and has the exact profile that we are looking to inject into our current backline set up. Kurtley is just coming into his prime playing years and over this period, we want to ensure that he maximises his potential as a rugby player.”