Kurtley Beale says he hopes his call-up to the Wallabies squad for the November tour will not be a one-off as he prepares to stake a claim for a record-equalling fourth World Cup appearance for Australia.
Beale could make his 93rd Test appearance for Australia in the opening Test of the team’s November tour against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday.
The 32-year-old was called up to the squad after injuries ruled out Tom Banks and Reece Hodge, while Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi have withdrawn and are unavailable for selection.
Now playing for Racing 92 in France, Beale said he was surprised to be called up, but hopes he can start a run that will have him match George Gregan and Adam Ashley-Cooper by representing Australia at a fourth World Cup in 2023.
“Dave gave me a call, I didn’t see it coming but I’m excited to be here,” he said. “I still felt that individually I could still add [to the group].
“I’m playing at Racing at the moment surrounded by some really good international players. So my hunger is still there to grow and to push myself against the best.
“Obviously, with the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023, it’s still a goal of mine and it [the Wallabies] is something I want to be a part of.”
Beale made his last appearance for the Wallabies during the disappointing 2019 World Cup campaign, when the Australians were knocked out in the quarter-finals against England.
“The loss in the World Cup in ’19 really hit home with me,” he said. “Being away from this environment you miss home a bit and you realise how special the Wallabies jersey is.
“There’s a real brotherhood here. I haven’t used that word in a while but it does really feel like you’re in a family environment.
“There’s a lot of respect thrown around and it’s been a great opportunity for the new group to build their own identity.”
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