Kiss keeps Beale in World Cup contention after Wallabies recall

Kurtley Beale remains a contender for Australia's home Rugby World Cup after Les Kiss recalled him for the Wallabies' UK tour. Australian Associated Press reported that the coach expects the veteran to compete for selection, rather than simply lend experience to the squad.

Kiss described the decision as part of an effort to strengthen his options. He cited positive assessments from Nic White, Simon Cron and Brad Harris at the Western Force about Beale's contribution to the group. The coach also said he remained satisfied with his younger flyhalves and would review the position after the next Super Rugby Pacific season.

There was encouraging news about Tom Hooper, too. AAP reported that scans had cleared the back-rower after a shoulder concern during club duty. Kiss said Hooper's movement was improving and that he was expected to join camp, following concerns involving the shoulder he hurt against Ireland in July.

Beale, 37, was brought into the touring party after Hunter Paisami withdrew for personal reasons. He has not appeared for the Wallabies since 2021. A separate AAP report, carried by PACNEWS, confirmed that James Ramm and Kalani Thomas had also been added for the programme of Tests against England, Scotland and Wales, followed by the Nations Championship finals on November 21-23.

Ramm's return follows four seasons with Northampton in England. First called into the Wallabies squad in 2020 without making a Test appearance, he later moved overseas and has now agreed a two-year Western Force deal starting next season. He said the chance to pursue a place at a home World Cup helped persuade him to return to Australia.

Another Force player, Zac Lomax, has been selected for Australia A against the United States in New Jersey. The former NRL player is set to partner Kadin Prichard in the centres, offering a separate route to press his Wallabies claims. Corey Toole, omitted from the senior touring group, was also named alongside Lomax in the Australia A side.