Heritage honoured on Wallabies jersey
AN emotional Kurtley Beale shed tears as he unveiled the Wallabies’ new indigenous jersey at Redfern, describing how much it means to him to have a national team recognising Aboriginal culture.
Beale wore the specially designed jersey at the National Centre of indigenous Excellence, and even performed an impromptu traditional dance alongside indigenous performers.
Beale has pushed for the Wallabies to recognise his people for two years, and the ARU has taken a big step by allowing the team to wear the jersey in October’s third Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Brisbane.
“I’m a very proud indigenous man,” Beale said as his voice wavered and his eyes welled up.
“It’s just great, it’s awesome, we’ve got a lot of young talent in this country and for me to be the person that reveals it to everyone, it’s just a special, special feeling.
“You don’t understand how important it is for myself and for the other indigenous players, past and present, to be able to stand up and be role models for young indigenous kids out there who are aspiring to be professional athletes.
“It’s something that I hold close to my heart. Hopefully at the end of the day it’s a step to reconciliation.
“I think that’s an amazing for us, for the ARU to be a part of, and a lot of the other codes are heading in that di- rection as well.” Beale, the 14th indigenous player to represent the Wallabies, is delighted with the print, with a Wallaby on the front and circular designs that represent campsites and water holes.
“It’s pretty deadly, it’s awesome to now finally recognise our culture for all indigenous players past and present, to have this is very special, not only for us but all indigenous communities,” Beale said.
“So it’s a proud day for us, hopefully we can aontinue this in the years to come for all the younger generation that aspire to be Wallabies.”
It’s believed October’s match will be the first time a national team has played in an indigenous strip for an international fixture.
YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR MYSELF AND FOR THE OTHER INDIGENOUS PLAYERS, PAST AND PRESENT