Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale has signed a short-term deal with the Western Force until the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 35-year-old utility back joins the last-placed Force (1-6) after returning to the field for the first time in 14 months in mid-March for Sydney club side Randwick.
His comeback came a month after a jury in a Sydney court found him not guilty of sexual offences against a woman at a Bondi pub.
Beale's move to Perth is timely for the Force, who will be without injured fullback Harry Potter, set to undergo syndesmosis surgery that is likely to end his season.
"I’m excited to join the Force and I’m looking forward to making the move to Perth with my family,” Beale said in a Force statement.
“There’s enormous potential across the Force’s playing group and I’m eager to support the momentum they’re building.
"I know I have plenty to offer and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the game that I love.”
Coming off a 50-3 drubbing by the Blues at Eden Park, Force coach Simon Cron said he was looking forward to calling on Beale's experience.
“With the recent injury to Harry Potter the door opens for Kurtley to join our squad," Cron said in the statement.
"He will add valuable experience and rugby brains to our playing group.
“Having coached KB before, I know he is a player who will always help to develop young talent and add to the team’s leadership on field.”
Force CEO Niamh O’Connor said the club saw Beale as an integral part of plans for future success.
“We know where we want to take the club and Kurtley is an exciting addition in our plans for growth and success,” O’Connor said.
“Throughout our discussions with Kurtley, he’s shown us his burning determination and passion for the game. He’s very keen to make the most of this opportunity to play Super Rugby again.“
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