Tuesday 23 June 2020 08:10, UK
The Waratahs have confirmed that Australia international Kurtley Beale has left the club and will not participate in Super Rugby AU.
Beale will join Racing 92 for the 2020/21 Top 14 season and it was reported over the weekend that the 31-year-old had requested an early release from his Waratahs contract.
"It was announced in May that Beale would not be returning to Daceyville in 2021 and following the Covid-19 shutdown it's been agreed that he take up that opportunity with immediate effect," the Waratahs said in a statement.
Beale made 148 appearances during his two stints with the Waratahs and helped them to the 2014 Super Rugby title.
"I've spent most of my career in my home state representing the Waratahs, it's been an honour," said Beale.
"I'm thankful for the many great people I've met over the journey and will cherish the memories I've made over the last 11 seasons.
"It's a bittersweet moment to be leaving a place you've called home for such a long time, but this is an exciting opportunity to play overseas and the time is right to begin the next chapter in my career."
Beale, who played a third World Cup with the Wallabies in Japan, was reportedly omitted from coach Dave Rennie's preliminary squad of Wallabies prospects after an inconsistent start to Super Rugby.
With 92 caps, Beale meets the minimum 60-Test threshold for overseas-based players to be eligible for national selection, and Rugby Australia's Director of Rugby Scott Johnson said the Wallabies door remained open.
"Kurtley has been a great contributor for Australian rugby over many years and I know he still has the desire to represent his country," Johnson said in a statement.
"If his form warrants it he will certainly come into calculations for selection."
The Waratahs face the Reds in the opening round of Super Rugby AU on July 3 and you can watch all the action live on Sky Sports
