Kurtley Beale is set for his second comeback of the season this weekend when he returns from his latest series of counselling by playing for Randwick.
The 24-year-old Melbourne Rebels utility back, who has spent much of the last three weeks in a private health facility dealing with alcohol-related issues, is set to feature in the Sydney Shute Shield competition in a game against Sydney University.
Beale found himself in hot water earlier in the season when he struck team mates Cooper Vuna and Gareth Delve in the aftermath of a Super Rugby game in South Africa. He went into counselling for the first time after that episode.
When he finally returned to action he failed to comply with an alcohol ban and was once again banned indefinitely by the Rebels.
Now, after a further period of counselling, he is ready to push his claims for a place in both the Rebels and Qantas Wallabies squads to face the British & Irish Lions.
The Rebels and the ARU issued separate statements about Beale on Monday, saying he had successfully completed the first stage of counselling.
"Following discussions between the ARU, RUPA (players' association) and the Melbourne Rebels, and Kurtley's departure from the health facility, all parties have agreed that it is in Kurtley's best interest and welfare to remain in Sydney around his support network for the foreseeable future," the statement said.
"Kurtley will play for his club Randwick in the Sydney Shute Shield Competition during this time."
The Rebels have Super Rugby games against the Reds and Brumbies over the next fortnight before they meet the Lions.
