Veteran back Kurtley Beale could face England this autumn after being given a shock recall to the Australia squad for the upcoming Nations Championship games.

The 37-year-old hasn’t played for the Wallabies since a game against Wales in Cardiff in 2021, although was named in a squad back in 2024 before an achilles injury ruled him out.

However, he has now been added to the group by Les Kiss as a replacement for Hunter Paisami, who has withdrawn for personal reasons, and could win the 96th cap of his storied career against England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday 8 November – Australia’s first match of their autumn campaign.

Beale, who plays his club rugby for Western Force, will turn 38 in January and is expected to mostly provide cover in the centres, although he can also play at fly half, full back or on the wing if required.

“With Hunter’s unavailability we’re excited by what Kurtley can bring to the group,” said head coach Kiss in a statement. “He’s got 95 caps worth of Test experience and while he will primarily cover inside centre, he has ​the ⁠versatility to play a ‌number of positions across the backline.

“Kurtley’s also been in great form for the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby AUS and is excited to contribute to the environment.”

The Wallabies squad leaves Australia on Saturday to fly to England and with less than a year to go until a home Rugby World Cup, Beale’s inclusion will naturally spark debate as to whether he will be selected for the tournament for a fourth time.

He played at the 2011 World Cup, where Australia finished third, and the 2015 edition when they were runners-up to New Zealand, while also going to the 2019 tournament.

Former Northampton Saints wing/full back James Ramm has also been added to the Wallabies squad following an impressive campaign with Northland in New Zealand's provincial championship, while scrum half Kalani Thomas will join the group ‌after his Australia A ⁠commitments, with Tate McDermott expected to return ⁠home during November for the birth of his first child.

After facing England in Twickenham, Australia will take on Scotland at Murrayfield and Wales in Cardiff before finals weekend of the Nations Championship back in London towards the end of November.

Kiss enjoyed a dream start to his time as Wallabies coach, with four wins – including one over the mighty double world champions South Africa – and one draw in his first five Tests before suffering back-to-back defeats to the All Blacks earlier this month as they again failed to get their hands on the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002.