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The Tragic Loss of Kurtley Beale’s Brother Amid His Rugby Union Comeback
In a heartbreaking turn of events, former Wallabies star Kurtley Beale is facing the sudden and unexpected loss of his brother William, just as he prepares to make his highly anticipated return to rugby union. As reported by BBC Rugby Union, the 35-year-old Beale boarded a flight to Queensland with his Randwick teammates, carrying the heavy burden of his sibling’s passing on Thursday.
The cause of William Beale’s untimely death remains unknown at this time, casting a somber cloud over Kurtley’s comeback. The brothers, both former students of the prestigious St. Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill, had taken different paths – with Kurtley thriving in the boarding school environment and going on to represent the Australia national rugby union team, the Wallabies, while his younger sibling struggled being away from the family and eventually left the school.
“I’ve always maintained my innocence,” Beale said after the verdict, expressing relief that “the truth has come out” and acknowledging the toll the ordeal has taken on him and his family.
This tragic family development comes as Kurtley Beale looks to lace up his boots once again, following a highly publicized sexual assault trial that had sidelined him from all forms of rugby since January 2023. Last month, a jury in the NSW District Court cleared Beale of one count of sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of sexual touching, with the verdict delivered in just an hour.
As Beale prepares to make his return to the rugby union field, the sudden loss of his brother will undoubtedly weigh heavily on his mind. The former Wallabies star, who was also reportedly being courted by NRL clubs during his hiatus, will now have to navigate the dual challenges of mourning his sibling and refocusing on his rugby career.
The rugby union community will be closely following Beale’s journey, as he looks to honor his brother’s memory by showcasing his exceptional talent on the pitch once again. The outpouring of support and empathy from fans and fellow players is sure to provide some solace during this difficult time.
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