Kurtley Beale: Veteran returns in Wallabies squad to face Wales

Kurtley Beale has been included in Australia’s squad for the first time in three years for summer Tests against Wales and Georgia.

The 35-year-old last played for the Wallabies in a 29-28 defeat by Wales in Cardiff during the 2021 Autumn Nations Cup.

In February, Beale was found not guilty of sexual assault and has been impressive since linking up with the Western Force in the Super Rugby Pacific competition in April.

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt – in his first selection since replacing Eddie Jones – has named 13 uncapped players for two Tests against Wales and one against Georgia.

Among the uncapped players in the 38-strong squad are Queensland duo Tom Lynagh and Josh Nasser, sons of former Wallabies Michael Lynagh and Brendan Nasser.

Prop Alex Hodgman is also included having previously played for New Zealand, qualifying for Australia through his father.

Brumbies backs Len Ikitau, Noah Lolesio, and Tom Wright are among those recalled by Schmidt.

No overseas players have been selected with only 14 of the 33-man World Cup squad remaining, while Angus Bell, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Max Jorgensen, Rob Leota, Lachlan Lonergan, David Porecki and Blake Schoupp are injured.

“There were some very tight selection calls, as there always are when selecting a national team,” said Schmidt.

“We have a short runway into our first Test, so we’re just keen to get to work and make as much progress as we can over the four days we have in Brisbane.”

Australia host Wales in Sydney on Saturday, 6 July and Melbourne on 13 July, followed by a game against Georgia a week later.

Before travelling to the southern hemisphere, Wales face South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday, 22 June.