30 Mar 2013

Beale stood down, but denies alcohol issue

2:09 pm on 30 March 2013

The Australian rugby star Kurtley Beale has been stood down indefinitely and is seeking counselling but still appears at odds with his Super Rugby club Melbourne after denying having a problem with alcohol.

Beale has been barred from rugby for the foreseeable future after punching two of his Rebels teammates, skipper Gareth Delve and Cooper Vuna, on the team bus following a heavy loss to the Sharks in Durban last Sunday.

The incident was understood to be alcohol-related and follows a string of other incidents involving the talented but troubled Australian pivot.

While accepting his punishment after a day of meetings with the Australian Rugby Union, Rebels management and the players' association, Beale issued a statement saying drinking was not a major issue for him.

Beale says he's working hard to sort through some issues.

According to the Rebels, it's a battle clearly linked to the bottle with former teammate and current Melbourne media manager Adam Freier saying alcohol is the big issue.