Wednesday 15 November 2017 22:44, UK
Australia's Kurtley Beale says Test match rugby is the "ultimate" and the reason he left Wasps was to return to Australia.
The pull of international rugby proved to be too strong for Beale to turn down as he returned to the Waratahs after just one season away.
The Wallabies playmaker, who can play at No 10, 12 or 15, has notably taken on more of a leadership role this season, saying wearing the Wallabies gold jersey is his priority.
"Being away lit the fire in the belly to put on the gold jersey again," Beale said. "While I can still represent my country at the highest level, I felt I needed to give myself every chance to do so.
"As a player you always want to be playing at the pinnacle, and Test match rugby is the ultimate.
"For me to be involved I had to go back home to be a part of this team and environment. It was a really simple decision even though I really enjoyed my time at Wasps and playing in the Premiership."
The Wallabies have been impressive of late with a victory over New Zealand, two consecutive draws with South Africa and a 13th straight win over Wales at the Principality Stadium last weekend, with the dynamic Beale crossing the whitewash in Cardiff.
The 69-cap Wallaby is in a rich vein of form and attributes this increased maturity within Michael Cheika's troops.
"Maturity allows you to grow into that leader spot," said Beale.
"You understand what is required to play at this level. I haven't changed too much, I have just been myself and add to the group wherever I can. Maturity comes a long way."
Australia will face their toughest game on tour against England - live on Sky Sports - before finishing the week after at Murrayfield against Scotland.
Looking ahead to the Test match this weekend full-back Beale was full of praise for England and their talisman Owen Farrell but also stated they will be looking at themselves and the experience that will be gained from Saturday's game.
"There are a lot of young guys who are yet to experience a game at Twickenham. This game is all about us and how we are growing as a squad. It is important that we give these young guys the experience.
"England are a great team, they were in a pretty similar position a couple of years ago and now all of a sudden they have this great momentum. They are building strongly.
"Owen Farrell is a very influential player, he is one of England's main creators. In Test match rugby creativity is everything. He is one of their danger players."
The Wallabies will be looking to close down Farrell and England in what is the key fixture for both teams this autumn.
Beale, a crowd favourite at the Ricoh Arena, says he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Premiership where he felt his game has grown due to his experience of playing up North.
"I learned a lot from my experience here at Wasps," Beale added. "Understanding different styles of games and plays.
"The whole experience allowed me to get a better understanding of the mindset up here, that has definitely helped me.
"You always strive to be a better player, an all-rounded player."
Watch England against Australia live on Sky Sports Action on Saturday from 2pm.
