Share

Beale back after suspension

Melbourne -  Australia back Kurtley Beale has re-joined Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels after a month-long exile to deal with alcohol-related issues, the team said on Monday.

Beale was stood down indefinitely last month after punching two of his team mates in South Africa following the Rebels' record 64-7 thrashing by the Durban-based Sharks in the southern hemisphere competition.

The player, who was sent home from South Africa in the wake of the team bus incident, completed training and team logistics on Monday, the team said in a statement.

GALLERY: Super Rugby - Week 11

"Over the past five weeks, Kurtley has undertaken an off-field program, which was established following collaboration between Australian Rugby Union, the Rebels, the Rugby Union Players Association and Kurtley," the statement said.

"Beale will continue to undertake an agreed off-field program."

The 24-year-old, Australia's first-choice flyhalf during their season-ending tour of Europe last year, would train again with the full squad on Tuesday, opening the door for his selection for the Rebels' home match against the defending champion Chiefs on Friday.

Rebels head coach Damien Hill would consult with the playing group and be guided by Beale's training form and "integration" within the team, before considering him for selection, the statement added.

The Rebels' hopes of making the playoffs are all but gone, having won only two matches midway through the season, but Beale's reinstatement would allow him to press his case for a spot in Australia coach Robbie Deans's squad to take on the British and Irish Lions.

Beale was left out of an initial squad of 30 assembled for a team camp earlier this month, but can still stake his claim with a strong showing in coming weeks for the Rebels ahead of the three-Test series in June and July.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Glasgow Warriors 7
Sharks 0
loading... Live
North West 95/3
Warriors RSA 145/7
loading... Live
Titans RSA 82/4
Lions 154/8
loading... Live
Western Province 173/4
Boland 96/9
loading... Live
Ulster 0
Cardiff Rugby 7
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1817 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE