Utility back Kurtley Beale has signed a contract extension which will have him play in Australia beyond the 2019 World Cup.

The 30-year-old Beale has agreed to a new one-year deal with Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby union, which will allow him to play for the Waratahs and Wallabies until the end of the 2020 season.

Beale is the first big-name star to recommit to Australian rugby post the World Cup, with David Pocock, Will Genia, Christian Leali’ifano, Samu Kerevi and Quade Cooper all set to move to Japan after the showpiece, while several others will join European clubs.

”Obviously, World Cup years bring about change and we’re in an exciting period here. But I’m very excited to put pen to paper because I am really enjoying my rugby here in Australia,’ Beale said.

‘I feel like there’s a lot more to achieve in Australian rugby with the Waratahs as well. I know there’s a new generation of players coming through and I feel like I can put myself in positions to be able to achieve some special moments.

‘I’ve spent the vast majority of my career here in New South Wales representing the Waratahs; it’s been an honour and something I’ll always be thankful for.

‘To represent your home state in a competition like Super Rugby, having made wonderful memories and friends is really special – I’m looking forward to building on that in 2020.’

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