English Woman's Journal - Beale recalled as Australia look to bounce back from World Cup debacle

Beale recalled as Australia look to bounce back from World Cup debacle


Beale recalled as Australia look to bounce back from World Cup debacle
Beale recalled as Australia look to bounce back from World Cup debacle / Photo: Adrian DENNIS - AFP/File

Veteran Kurtley Beale was recalled Friday after being cleared of sexual assault as new head coach Joe Schmidt named his first Australia squad for Tests against Georgia and Wales.

Change text size:

Beale has played 95 times for Australia but was suspended from all forms of rugby after being arrested in January 2023 and charged over an alleged incident at a Sydney pub.

The 35-year-old was acquitted in February and returned to play Super Rugby for the Western Force in April.

Beale was the headline change in a 38-man squad which includes 13 uncapped players.

The Wallabies are looking to bounce back in their first games since their Rugby World Cup debacle under Schmidt's predecessor Eddie Jones, when they crashed out in the pool stages.

Former All Blacks prop Alex Hodgman has also been included as he qualifies for Australia under World Rugby's eligibility rules, having last played for New Zealand four years ago.

There is no place for NRL-bound backs Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who have respectively signed for rugby league clubs Gold Coast Titans and Sydney Roosters from next year.

Fly-half Tom Lynagh and hooker Josh Nasser -- the sons of Wallabies legends Michael Lynagh and Brendan Nasser, who won the 1991 Rugby World Cup -- are among the uncapped players.

Veteran prop James Slipper is the most experienced player with 134 appearances.

The squad will assemble in Brisbane this Sunday for a four-day camp ahead of the first Test against Wales in Sydney on July 6.

Australia squad to face Wales and Georgia:

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright

Backs: Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Nic White, Tom Wright

F.McKenzie--EWJ

Featured

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Change text size: