Wallabies: Kurtley Beale to end five-year Test hiatus as Les Kiss confirms his ‘primary’ position after shock recall
Les Kiss has finalised his Wallabies squad for the November Nations Championship fixtures, adding three backs to the touring party.
Most notably, 95-Test cap utility back Kurtley Beale has been recalled to the squad, with the veteran playmaker replacing Hunter Paisami, who has withdrawn for personal reasons.
Beale was last named in a Wallabies squad in 2024 before an Achilles injury prematurely ended his season, but he will be looking to earn his first Test cap since facing Wales in Cardiff in 2021.
Les Kiss adds three players
The 37-year-old back is renowned for his ability to cover multiple positions including centre, fly-half and full-back. He will also provide the Wallabies with place-kicking ability.
He is added to the squad along with outside back James Ramm and scrum-half Kalani Thomas. Ramm will link with the Western Force ahead of 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, joining the group having most recently played a key role in Northland’s run to the NPC final in New Zealand. The 28-year-old who can play fullback and wing, was also part of the Northampton Saints squads that won the PREM Rugby title last season and in 2023/24.
As for Thomas, he will join the squad after fulfilling his commitments with Australia A in the United States with Tate McDermott expected to have to return to Australia for the arrival of his first child back during November.
Beale will bring so much-needed playmaking experience to the Wallabies squad that has been ravaged by injuries at fly-half throughout this year. However, head coach Kiss confirmed that he is likely to feature mostly as an inside centre for Australia next month.
“With Hunter’s unavailability we’re excited by what Kurtley can bring to the group,” he said. “He’s got 95 caps worth of Test experience and whilst he will primarily cover inside centre he has the versatility to play a number of positions across the backline.
“Kurtley’s also been in great form for the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby AUS and is excited to contribute to the environment.”
Commenting on Ramm, Kiss added: “At the same time, James is a player we’ve kept a keen eye on for a while and his form for Northland has been exceptional in recent times.
“He’s someone who knows the UK well having spent a very successful period with Northampton and can cover multiple positions across the backline.”
Finalised Wallabies squad for the November internationals
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Miles Amatosero, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Massimo De Lutiis, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Tom Lambert, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
Backs: Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Carter Gordon, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Harry Potter, James Ramm, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Teddy Wilson, Tom Wright
Unavailable for selection: Charlie Cale, Josh Flook, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Hunter Paisami, Matt Philip, Pete Samu, Will Skelton
England v Australia
Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
Venue: Allianz Stadium, London
Kick-off: 15:10 (local), 15:10 (UK), 16:10 (France), 17:10 (South Africa), 02:10 (9 November, AEDT), 04:10 (9 November, New Zealand), 12:10 (Argentina), 00:10 (9 November, JST), 10:10 (EST)
Referee: Pierre Brousset (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (GRU) and Jérémy Rozier (FFR)
TMO: Tual Trainini (FFR)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
Broadcasters: ITV / ITVX (United Kingdom), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), SuperSport (South Africa / Africa), Nine Network / Stan Sport (Australia), Sky Sport (New Zealand), FloSports (USA), Wowow (Japan)
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Scotland v Australia
Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026
Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15:10 (local), 15:10 (UK), 16:10 (France), 17:10 (South Africa), 02:10 (16 November, AEDT), 04:10 (16 November, New Zealand), 12:10 (Argentina), 00:10 (16 November, JST), 10:10 (EST)
Referee: James Doleman (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (NZR) and Angus Mabey (NZR)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
Broadcasters: ITV / ITVX (United Kingdom), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), SuperSport (South Africa / Africa), Nine Network / Stan Sport (Australia), Sky Sport (New Zealand), FloSports (USA), Wowow (Japan)
Wales v Australia
Date: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 20:10 (local), 20:10 (UK), 21:10 (France), 22:10 (South Africa), 07:10 (22 November, AEDT), 09:10 (22 November, New Zealand), 17:10 (Argentina), 05:10 (22 November, JST), 15:10 (EST)
Referee: Luc Ramos (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (RFU) and Jérémy Rozier (FFR)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)
FPRO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)
Broadcasters: ITV / ITVX (United Kingdom), S4C (Wales), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), SuperSport (South Africa / Africa), Nine Network / Stan Sport (Australia), Sky Sport (New Zealand), FloSports (USA), Wowow (Japan).
