Controversial playmaker Kurtley Beale is viewing his surprise Wallabies recall as a chance to win back respect.

Beale has spent the past three weeks training in Sydney in the hope of a call-up to the European tour after escaping having his Australian Rugby Union contract torn up in the wake of the text message scandal.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika phoned Beale on Thursday to inform him he would join the side from next week and said the utility was looking forward to a shot at redemption.

“I don’t think he was expecting to come, put it that way,” Cheika said in Paris ahead of Saturday’s Test against France.

“But by the fact I didn’t send him off on holidays, he knew he was still a chance.

“I think he was excited and he obviously going to try and redeem himself on the playing field as well.

“Get respect back on the playing field because he’s obviously very disappointed, as he should be, with what transpired so now’s an opportunity to redeem himself.”

Beale is expected to depart Sydney on Saturday and could begin training with the Australian squad as soon as Monday, making him eligible for selection for next week’s Test against Ireland in Dublin.

The coach admits Beale’s recall will divide opinion among the public but insists it will not serve as a distraction among the tour squad.

Asked whether Beale deserved to be judged by his actions from now on, Cheika maintained he didn’t want to get involved in politics.

“I’m not going to tell people how to think,” Cheika said.

“It’s obviously a matter that’s not black and white and what I should be doing is not even be involved in that and just say ‘who’s available.

“Anyone who’s fit and ready to play should be considered for selection.”

Beale last played for Australia in late September under former coach Ewen McKenzie.

Cheika said he would return into an environment being guided by a strong internal sense of respect, rather than a formal code of conduct.

“I don’t believe in too many of those sorts of rules. If you have to force it on guys it’s a worry,” Cheika said.

“I’ve been pleased about seeing the team (embrace the culture).

“When I’ve told them that’s the way I want it to be, they’ve really responded to that and matured.

“It’s like they’re saying ‘he’s giving us the opportunity to behave like responsible men, let’s make sure we take it’.”