Kurtley Beale says wearing an indigenous jersey for the first time in a World Cup is a “pinnacle moment” for Australian rugby.

The indigenous star on Thursday modelled the Wallabies’ alternate strip, which they will wear in their World Cup pool game against Uruguay and in a potential semi-final in the Japan tournament in September.

Designed by artist Dennis Golding, the predominantly green jersey features a gold design of a wallaby motif around the midriff.

The 14 waterholes woven into the jersey represent the 14 indigenous players who have become Wallabies, including Beale.

“I’m extremely proud and honoured to hopefully have the opportunity to wear this in the World Cup,” Beale said.

“I’m sure I’m speaking on behalf of all players that will get the opportunity to wear this jersey that it’s a pinnacle moment for Australian rugby, to be able to recognise and acknowledge the first nations people in such a beautiful jersey.”

The Wallabies first wore an indigenous jersey, also designed by Golding, back in 2017 in the third Bledisloe Test in Brisbane and again last year against England at Twickenham, although Beale was stood down for that Test after breaking team protocol by having guests in his hotel room.

Indigenous NBA star Patty Mills gave it the thumbs up, changing his Twitter profile photo to a photo of Beale in the jersey.

Beale hoped the jersey would encourage more indigenous children to play rugby.