Rebels coach Damien Hill believes Kurtley Beale has made a ‘courageous’ decision to enter rehab but ex-Wallaby Glen Ella doesn’t expect to him to feature against the British & Irish Lions as a result.
Beale has taken ‘an indefinite leave of absence from playing rugby to seek assistance in resolving personal issues’ following a series of alcohol-related issues over the past year.
The 24-year-old fly-half cum full back has voluntarily gone to a private rehab centre for counselling just days after receiving a second suspension in seven weeks.
Beale was stood down from team affairs last week after admitting breaching Australian Rugby Union and Rebels protocol by drinking after his impressive comeback against the Chiefs and Hill says his star man has taken the best possible decision by attempting to tackle his issues head on.
"I think it's a courageous move on his behalf and we wish him all the best with that," said Hill, who nevertheless remains unsure whether Beale will ever represent the Rebels again.
"It's hard to make comment on that at the moment. I think the most important thing is that Kurtley's welfare is foremost in everyone's minds and we'll have to wait and see how things turn out."
Qantas Wallabies boss Robbie Deans is set to name his squad to face the Lions this coming Sunday, with Beale’s performance against the Chiefs suggesting he would have been an automatic pick had it not been for his latest indiscretion.
And while rumours are rife that Deans may hold open an extra spot for one of his country’s most mercurial talents, former full back Ella, who was Beale’s mentor during his teenage years, feels it would be best for him to concentrate solely on his recovery.
"I'd love to see him playing against the Lions but, in all honesty, I think that's going to be part of his rehabilitation – I think he needs to sit this one out," said Ella.
"The Lions only come around every 12 years and we want to be able to put our best team on the park but he is a Wallaby and there's traditions that have gone on before Kurtley that we have to uphold and getting into trouble continually is not one of those."
"My advice to Kurtley – and I love him dearly, he's been a small part of my life – is that he just has to keep away from it and focus on re-establishing his career.
"He needs to come out and say every time I do drink, there is an issue. He's been blessed with the talent and part of that comes with responsibility to be a role model – not just for Aboriginal kids but young kids all over Australia."
