Ten months after fearing an Achilles injury had brought a crushing end to his fine career, Kurtley Beale has revealed the tough journey back to Super Rugby and thanked those who’ve made it happen.
Beale, capped 95 times by the Wallabies, suffered the injury playing club rugby for Randwick last year. The Western Force stuck by him and on Wednesday named him at fullback for this weekend’s clash with the Blues in Auckland.
“Very tough, isolating, a lot of thoughts were crossing my mind whether to hang them up,” Beale said of his battle back to Super Rugby.
Kurtley Beale. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“There were some tough days where, yeah, I considered retiring, but there was something burning inside me deep down to continue to play, finish on my terms.
“I understand finishing not every great player, or any player, gets to finish on their terms.”
Beale’s career had already been disrupted by a court case before he joined the Force for a seven-game injury stint in 2023.
He performed strongly enough to be named in Joe Schmidt’s 38-man squad for the July Tests against Georgia and Wales last year, and was dreaming of becoming the first Indigenous player to reach 100 caps.
The Force moved quickly to draw Beale back into the fold, and he moved to Perth late last year to rehab under club physiotherapist Mike Neill, whom he called out for thanks.
“I can’t thank the Force enough for giving me the opportunity,” Beale said. “[They] put me in a high-performing program with ‘Magic Mike’, the rehab coach there. He’s unbelievable, pushing me to my limits. Very testing, challenging, but I’m grateful for the support of my teammates, of the guys around as well.
“Those guys pushing you every day. It’s kind of a bit of a roller coaster.”
Beale also thanked his wife Maddi Bloomberg and other family members.
“They probably see the real Kurtley at home, you know, when I’m down, when I’m facing a lot of doubt, they just give me the energy to get back up and keep pushing to try and put my dreams into reality.
“I can’t thank my wife, Maddi, enough for all the support and love in this journey.”
Being part of an Australian team travelling to play at Eden Park is as tough as it gets for a comeback.
“What an amazing opportunity to face the Blues at their home ground, the Holy Grail of Eden Park, and try and get out there and get that dub.
“I’m super excited. I’m finally here, getting an opportunity with the boys again, 10 months on. So yeah, just feeling a little bit nervous, but … I’m just kind of just ready to be able to get out there and play with the lads.”
