Troubled Wallabies star Beale puts Lions place at risk

MELBOURNE (AFP) –

Australian fly half Kurtley Beale lines up a penalty kick in Cardiff, Wales, on December 1, 2012. Beale was Thursday again facing off-field disciplinary issues, raising doubts about his chances of playing in next month’s British and Irish Lions Test series.

Troubled Wallabies star Kurtley Beale was Thursday again facing off-field disciplinary issues, raising doubts about his chances of playing in next month’s British and Irish Lions Test series.

The Melbourne Rebels said he would be stood down from their Super 15 match on Saturday against the Blues in Auckland after a breach of his behavioural agreement.

Beale, 24, only resumed playing for the Rebels last weekend after serving a suspension for punching two team-mates on his side’s tour of South Africa in March.

As a condition of his return Beale agreed to an off-field programme to deal with alcohol-related problems after discussions between the Australian Rugby Union, the Rebels and the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA).

But he now faces likely further sanction amid reports that he went out drinking with teammates last weekend and also missed an appointment with a psychologist, which was part of his ongoing treatment programme.

Australia’s fly half Kurtley Beale is shown in Cardiff, Wales, on December 1, 2012. Beale, 24, only resumed playing for the Rebels last weekend after serving a suspension for punching two team-mates on his side’s tour of South Africa in March.

“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.”

Rebels coach Damien Hill said it was disappointing for both Beale and the team.

“You can’t shy away from the fact that he is one of the best footballers in the country,” Hill told Australian Associated Press.

“It’s just unfortunate that the behavioural side is interfering with that at the moment. It’s really disappointing.”

Hill added that it was too early to tell if Beale would play for the Rebels again.

“Everybody wants a fit and healthy Kurtley on and off the field so he can perform,” he said.

“It’s a work in progress and there’s a lot more to be done.”

Beale was omitted from last month’s preliminary Australian squad, but Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said then he still had time to press his case before the final team was named later this month.

The Wallabies play three Tests against the Lions from June 22 to July 6.