The troubled Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale is taking an indefinite break from rugby having checked into a private health clinic to deal with a drinking problem.
Beale was stood down from his Super Rugby side the Melbourne Rebels last week for the second time this season after breaching behavioral guidelines related to a programme to deal with his alcohol issues.
The treatment puts Beale's participation in the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour in jeopardy, with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans due to name a preliminary squad of 25 this weekend for the three-test series.
24 year old Beale was suspended from the Rebels in March for more than a month after punching his team mates Cooper Vuna and Gareth Delve in South Africa.
He was fined $40,000 by the Australian Rugby Union and agreed to undergo counseling.
Beale's former mentor Glen Ella has advised him to admit his alcohol problems and forget about playing against the Lions.
Meanwhile, the Rebels will host the Stormers at 9:40pm Friday while the Hurricanes will face the Chiefs at 7:35pm.
Story by: Akuila Cama
