Beale recalled as Australia look to bounce back from World Cup debacle

Veteran Kurtley Beale was recalled Friday after being cleared of sexual assault as new head coach Joe Schmidt named his first Australia squad for Tests against Georgia and Wales.

Beale has played 95 times for Australia but was suspended from all forms of rugby after being arrested in January 2023 and charged over an alleged incident at a Sydney pub.

The 35-year-old was acquitted in February and returned to play Super Rugby for the Western Force in April.

Beale was the headline change in a 38-man squad which includes 13 uncapped players.

The Wallabies are looking to bounce back in their first games since their Rugby World Cup debacle under Schmidt's predecessor Eddie Jones, when they crashed out in the pool stages.

Former All Blacks prop Alex Hodgman has also been included as he qualifies for Australia under World Rugby's eligibility rules, having last played for New Zealand four years ago.

There is no place for NRL-bound backs Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who have respectively signed for rugby league clubs Gold Coast Titans and Sydney Roosters from next year.

Fly-half Tom Lynagh and hooker Josh Nasser -- the sons of Wallabies legends Michael Lynagh and Brendan Nasser, who won the 1991 Rugby World Cup -- are among the uncapped players.

Veteran prop James Slipper is the most experienced player with 134 appearances.

The squad will assemble in Brisbane this Sunday for a four-day camp ahead of the first Test against Wales in Sydney on July 6.

Australia squad to face Wales and Georgia:

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth,  Charlie Cale, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright

Backs: Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Nic White, Tom Wright

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