Kurtley Beale suffers major setback after career threatening injury
Kurtley Beale has been ruled out of Australia's home Test series against Wales
©PA
Utility back Kurtley Beale's chances of an Australian comeback was dented severely following his latest injury setback.
The 35-year-old ruptured his Achilles as he came off the bench for Randwick against Betpanda UK Eastern Suburbs in a Betpanda UKSydney club rugby match on Saturday.
Beale underwent a scan on Monday following which Rugby Australia revealed that he will be undergoing a surgery to address the issue and has already been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Wales.
The Wallaby veteran was allowed to play for Randwick after being informed that he wouldn't be playing against Wales next weekend.
He resumed his rugby career with the Western Force this Super season after a 12-month suspension by Rugby Australia due to serious legal charges, from which he was acquitted. He has overall played 95 Tests for the Wallabies.
Meanwhile, head coach Joe Schmidt has called up Waratahs centre Joey Walton to the squad as a replacement. He made his Super Rugby debut with Waratahs in 2020 and has featured for provincial sides New South Wales County Eagles and Bay of Plenty in the past.
"It's a massive shame seeing him go down for the mighty 'Wicks yesterday," said Andrew Kellaway after Beale's injury.
"We're waiting on those scans and seeing how he goes but we've got a 38-man squad here so it's very much next guy in.
"Wallabies don't need another Eddie Everywhere, but Schmidt must speak up
"It's horrible to see but for KB, I grew up watching him and eventually playing with, someone who I now consider a close mate so it sucks to see after he was right back on the brink of where he used to be.
"We were all excited to have him back and touch wood it's not too serious but any injury sucks but especially when it's like that."
