Indefinite break for Rebels and Australia full-back Kurtley Beale

Kurtley Beale's hopes of tackling the British and Irish Lions in the summer appear to be fading fast after he took an "indefinite leave of absence from playing rugby".

Beale had made a try-scoring return to action for the Rebels against the Chiefs following a four-week period of rehabilitation after he punched Gareth Delve and Cooper Vuna on a night out.

However the Australia full-back was stood down again for the game against the Blues after he breached behavioural guidelines set out for his return.

And the Rebels have confirmed the 24-year-old is now receiving "counselling for ongoing issues".

A statement from the club read: "The Melbourne Rebels would like to make the following statement in regards to Kurtley Beale.
Personal issues

"Kurtley will take an indefinite leave of absence from playing rugby to seek assistance in resolving personal issues.

"Kurtley has voluntarily entered a private health facility in order to undertake counselling for ongoing issues.

"He has done this with the backing of ARU, RUPA and the Melbourne Rebels who congratulate him on this decision to seek assistance.

"Any future selection will be dependent upon successful completion of his treatment program."