Kurtley Beale has described his Achilles tendon injury as like a dagger to the heart, but says it happened for a reason and won't stop him from attempting to resurrect his Wallabies career.
Just days after earning a dream Wallabies recall following a three-year hiatus, Beale tore his Achilles tendon while playing Sydney club rugby in June last year.
Aged 35 at the time, Beale could have easily thrown in the towel, but giving up isn't in his DNA.
Beale has already linked back up with the Force on an injury replacement contract, with hopes he will be fit enough to return at the tail end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
And if all goes to plan, the 36-year-old backline utility star will be back in Wallabies gold in time to take on the British and Irish Lions later this year.
For Beale, the injury came as a complete shock.
"It was a weird sensation," Beale told AAP.
"It felt like a pop down the back of my ankle, and I kind of looked around, I thought someone kicked me, and no one was around me, and I kind of just fell helplessly to the ground.
"It was quite devastating at the time.
"I worked my way back from adversity the previous 12 months, and to get back and then have an injury like that, it was the dagger in the heart, so to speak."
Instead of dwelling on his misfortune, the 95-cap Wallaby tried to view the injury as a blessing in disguise.
"I was absolutely devastated, heartbroken," Beale said.
"But I guess everything happens for a reason. I really, truly believe in that now.
"And it was probably to be there for my two kids, who I love dearly, and to be there with my wife.
"It's been an absolute blessing."
When Beale suffered the injury, he told Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt he would be back.
Almost eight months down the track, Beale's determination remains as strong as ever.
"I don't think you can ever cut yourself short in this game," Beale said.
"Injuries come and go. I'll be doing everything I can to be ready.
"I still feel like I can be a valuable member in a team, with my experience and game knowledge and rugby IQ."
Beale is a big fan of visualising.
He's been visualising wearing the Western Force jersey for the British and Irish Lions warm-up match at Perth's Optus Stadium on June 28.
And he's also visualised what it would be like wearing the Wallabies gold again in front of a packed stadium.
"I did say briefly before that Spring Tour (that I'm determined to return), but we all know it's a long journey," Beale said.
"And we do know that it's quite a significant injury, and especially in my position, speed and agility are paramount."
"I need to make sure that I have that spring and that speed to be able to be as effective as I used to be, as I know I can be.
"My motivation has purely been trying to get back to achieve more in the game and to help the Western Force achieve finals series rugby this year.
"There's a lot of self belief. I back myself to the moon and back to put myself in the best position to be able to achieve those things, but the focus is on the present."
