Australia
Beale could still play part for Australia
ESPN Staff
October 27, 2014
The Waratahs' Kurtley Beale takes a breath, Super Rugby Grand Final Captain's Run, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, August 1, 2014
Kurtley Beale has been cleared to return from suspension © Getty Images
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Kurtley Beale could still feature for Australia on their tour of Europe, according to defence coach Nathan Grey.

Beale was fined $45,000 (£24,000) last week after being involved in a text messaging controversy with former ARU business manager Di Patston.

He was left out of the original touring party that flew to London at the weekend, but a tribunal cleared him to return from suspension and Gray says that Beale, who has 47 caps, will be considered for selection once he has proved his fitness.

"Kurtley at the moment is back at home and he is training," Gray said.

"He hasn't played for a long period of time so we know he is working hard and trying to get up to speed in terms of his physical condition, and once he has done that he is definitely going to be considered for selection.

"He could possibly join us on this tour once he gets back in shape and is ready to go."

Australia kick off their tour at Twickenham against the Barbarians on Saturday and it had been announced in a statement by the ARU at the weekend that Beale would not be joining up with Michael Cheika's squad.

However, upon landing at Heathrow airport, Cheika said that "we'll see what happens" when asked if Beale could be involved on the tour, but added: "I'm confident in the guys we've got; it's not like there's any desperation or anything like that".

Beale has a chequered disciplinary record, most notably spending time in rehabilitation for alcohol-related issues last year, but Grey insists he still has a future with Australia.

"Kurtley was given a fair hearing. The ARU were very diligent over the way they went about the process. He received the fine and accepted that," Grey said.

"He's clearly disappointed in how things turned out, but he's focused on how he can get back doing what he does best and that's playing rugby.

"We've kept a keen eye on him individually and his welfare is important.

"I'm on the Wallabies coaching team and if Kurtley is one of the best players in Australian rugby then I want him on board."

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