Kurtley Beale returns from wilderness in shock Wallabies call-up

October 28, 2026 — 3:21pm

Kurtley Beale has been recalled to the Wallabies for the first time in five years after the 37-year-old was selected as a shock replacement for Hunter Paisami in Australia’s spring tour squad.

The improbable return of Beale, who last played for the Wallabies on the spring tour in 2021, came as his new Western Force teammate James Ramm also earned a call-up to the Wallabies squad for their four-Test tour of the UK in November.

The news of Beale’s recall to the Wallabies came hours after it was revealed the veteran had extended his contract with the Western Force, but only on a very modest, train-and-trial deal for the 2027 season.

Paisami was named in the spring tour squad last week but informed Wallabies coach Les Kiss this week he would be withdrawing due to personal reasons, having just moved to Japan with his wife and children to start with the Shizuoka Blu Revs.

More to come

Iain Payten is a senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.

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