Kurtley Beale © Gallo Images Photo Galleries Play our Super Rugby games and WIN Dewald Potgieter is enjoying life on the road Super Rugby week six in pictures Beale to undergo counseling 28 March 2013, 13:16
Australia flyhalf Kurtley Beale, who was sent home from South Africa after a brawl with Melbourne Rebels teammates, has been indefinitely suspended, the Super Rugby side said on Thursday.
The incident on the team bus came in the wake of a record 64-7 drubbing for the Rebels by South Africa's Sharks in Durban on Saturday and both Beale and teammate Cooper Vuna were stood down after an club investigation.
Beale, who did not play in the Sharks match due to injury, has agreed to undergo counselling, the Rebels said in a statement on their website (www.melbournerebels.com.au).
"We sincerely hope that Kurtley will now embrace the assistance required to beat the issues that have been plaguing his life over the last period of time," Rebels chief executive Steven Boland said.
"We will fully support Kurtley through this process and hope that there is a time not far down the track when he can rejoin his teammates at the Rebels."
The Australian Rugby Union said that the Wallaby back had admitted he was fault and accepted a substantial fine.
"This is an important step for Kurtley and the ARU feels an obligation to assist in ensuring, regardless of rugby, that he moves forward in a positive manner," ARU Chief Executive Bill Pulver told Australian media.
"He knows he needs to be accountable for his actions, and he is determined to overcome the challenges he has faced in recent times.
"The unfortunate matter in South Africa was not an isolated incident for Kurtley.
"He understands it was unacceptable and, most critically, acknowledges he needs to make changes."
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