The challenge facing the Lions this summer could be greatly boosted with the news that Kurtley Beale is in danger of missing out due to disciplinary issues.
By Declan Whooley
The 24 year-old Melbourne Rebels player is one of the most potent attacking threats at the Wallabies disposal, but disciplinary issues are threatening his participation this summer after the Rebels have suspended him again after breaking the conditions on his previous misdeamour.
The talented full-back has been stood down from the Melbourne Rebels side for Saturday’s Super Rugby against the Blues in Auckland after sleeping in and missing his appointment with the psychologist overseeing his Australian Rugby Union-mandated rehabilitation.
He failed to show after having a few drinks after attending the Melbourne Storm match on Saturday night and the Rebels were left with little choice but to take action. Rebels officials stressed Beale had not misbehaved in any way but he nonetheless broke the conditions imposed on him.
Beale may not be facing BOD and co. this summer
“Kurtley has breached behavioural guidelines that were set by the ARU, Rebels, and RUPA, which were agreed to in full by Kurtley,” the Rebels said in a statement.
“The relevant parties will meet to discuss any future course of action in relation to Kurtley.”
Conditions were imposed on him following an incident on the Rebels’ recent South African tour where he punched team captain Gareth Delve and team-mate Cooper Vuna, though the indefinite ban was lifted at the weekend and Beale came off the bench to show his abilities, scoring a brilliant try and making a telling contribution against the Chiefs.
Rebels coach Damien Hill has said the news is disappointing, though it could be even worse for Australian head honcho Robbie Deans. Beale was omitted from last month’s preliminary Australian squad to face the Lions, but the Wallabies coach said then he still had time to press his case before the final team was named later this month.
Time could well be running out fast for the Aussie star.
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