Wallaby star begins his road to rugby redemption after off-field incidents.
Wallaby playmaker Kurtley Beale has returned to training with Super 15 side Melbourne Rebels after serving a suspension for punching two team-mates on his side’s tour of South Africa.
Beale was suspended indefinitely after punching Cooper Vuna and Rebels captain Gareth Delve following a nightclub outing after Melbourne’s 64-7 loss to the Sharks in Durban on March 23.
The 24-year-old has not appeared for the Rebels since breaking his hand in a defeat to the New South Wales Waratahs on March 1.
He has been under the guidance of the Australian Rugby Union and has been given counselling for alcohol-related issues.
The Rebels said Beale will continue to follow an off-field programme agreed between the ARU, the Rebels and the Rugby Union Players’ Association.
Coach Damien Hill said he would consult with the squad and be guided by Beale’s training form and how he integrates before he is made available for selection.
The Rebels face defending champions Waikato Chiefs in Melbourne on Friday.
Beale needs matches before Australia’s home series against the touring British and Irish Lions in June-July to have a chance of selection.
He was omitted from this month’s preliminary squad but Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said he still had time to press his case before the squad is named in May.
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