At Racing 92, Kurtley Beale is so far best known for being one of the many dangers of a back line - Thomas, Zebo, Imhoff, Vakatawa - which disturbs the sleep of other Top 14 managers. Since his arrival in France this summer, the Australian, holder at the back against Bordeaux-Bègles this Saturday (3:15 p.m.) confined the debates around his person to the sports sector.
It may seem normal, but it was not necessarily guaranteed given the liabilities of the 32-year-old Wallaby.
Because Racing has not offered only a player who has played three World Cups and has 92 appearances with his selection.
Healed in the past for alcohol problems, suspended for offensive messages to a member of the Australian Federation, sanctioned for bringing women to the selection hotel in Wales or filmed hilariously watching a man taking cocaine, Kurtley Beale has a resume to curb the cravings of some clubs.
“We were sold a talented player, experienced but difficult to manage, recognizes the general manager of the last finalist of the European Cup, Patrick Serrière.
In fact, he integrated very easily.
He was immediately operational and showed an extraordinary state of mind.
"
"A bon vivant, simple and kind"
Arrived at the end of July in the wake of his marriage, the player quickly took his marks in the Paris suburbs, where he settled in a house in Clamart (Hauts-de-Seine) with his wife, Maddie.
If his discovery of France was hampered by restrictions linked to the health crisis, Beale took the time to appreciate the pleasures of French gastronomy.
“He's a very simple and nice guy, a good man too,” smiles Racing hooker Camille Chat.
“Its integration is going wonderfully.
With his experience and maturity, he reassures in addition to ensuring, “greets his coach Laurent Travers.
The Australian, whose Racing debut was tarnished by a three-week suspension for a high tackle that had caused him to miss the quarter and half of the European Cup, is praised by the staff for his versatility, he who is capable to evolve at the back, as during the defeat against Toulon Sunday (23-29) and Saturday against the UBB, in the center or on the wing.
If his very limited command of French limits exchanges, his involvement with young people is appreciated internally.
“He is not afraid to communicate, greets Camille Chat.
It's always nice to see a stranger blend in like this.
"
He himself offered to lower his salary
"He is a star of this sport, but who does not behave like one at all," explains those around him.
He's a simple, cool guy.
On the day of his arrival, Kurtley Beale learned from his teammate and compatriot Luke Jones that the entire workforce had agreed to a pay cut in the face of economic difficulties linked to the health crisis.
And asked that this measure apply to his emoluments, among the most important of the club with about 400,000 euros per year.
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"We did not ask him anything, he did this on his own," said Patrick Serrière.
Since then, the Australian has been smiling broadly at the Plessis-Robinson training center.
And nothing seems to affect the spirit of the one who signed for two seasons, plus an optional third.
Not even the recent snowfall, which he welcomed by playing the angel in a swimsuit on his terrace.