Wallabies legend set to move up in Super Rugby records this weekend

Beale will move into outright third on the all-time Super Rugby appearance list when he earns cap No.186 in tomorrow's must-win clash against the Fijian Drua in Perth.

Only retired Wyatt Crockett and current ACT Brumbies prop Slipper remain ahead of Beale in the standings.

Slipper tops the rankings with 209 appearances, but is still playing himself and shows no signs of stopping, meaning that gap could continue to widen.

The former New South Wales Waratahs star has enjoyed a lengthy Super Rugby career, with previous stints at the Melbourne Rebels and Wasps before joining the Force. Despite his long career, Beale says his drive for the game remains strong.

"I'm really enjoying my rugby. The passion and the love of it is still there, the fire is still in the belly. I haven't really thought about where I'm at in terms of next year or whatnot, but I'm just soaking it up, there's some great challenges ahead."

The top six teams in Super Rugby advance to the finals, with the Force currently sitting eighth, six points behind the sixth-placed Reds, making the Drua clash crucial to their finals hopes.

Speaking about the challenge ahead, Beale said, "As a rugby player these are the matches you want to be apart of and we've got a great opportunity as a club to push towards a finals berth.

"I'll be doing everything I can to help the team achieve that."

Beale has featured primarily at full-back and centre throughout his career but has also played fly-half and wing. In 2011, he won the John Eales Medal, presented to Australia’s rugby union Player of the Year.

Despite his achievements and longevity, Beale still trails both Crockett and Slipper on the all-time Super Rugby appearances list.

In September 2025, Slipper became Australia’s most-capped player when he reached 150 Test appearances. Then in March, Slipper set the Super Rugby appearance record with his 203rd match during the Brumbies’ 33-24 win over the Chiefs.

Asked whether he had any ambition to chase down Slipper’s record, Beale joked that the veteran prop could keep it.

"I spoke to him after the game in Canberra and I think he's going to go again. If he wants it, he can have it!"