Super Rugby - Rebels v Highlanders
Beale ruled out by Melbourne Rebels
July 10, 2013
Kurtley Beale scrores a try for Melbourne Rebels, Super Rugby, Round 12, Melbourne Rebels v Chiefs, AAMI Park, Melbourne, May 3, 2013
Kurtley Beale will play no part against the Highlanders © Getty Images
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Kurtley Beale may have played his final game for the Melbourne Rebels after it was confirmed on Tuesday he won't return for the club's last game of the Super Rugby season against the Highlanders.

Beale remained in Sydney after Saturday night's Test loss to the British & Irish Lions and will continue his rehabilitation program.

He hasn't played for the Rebels since making an appearance off the bench against the Chiefs on May 3. Beale was suspended after that clash for drinking alcohol, which he wasn't permitted to do under club rules after an altercation with team-mates in South Africa earlier in the year.

And with speculation the New South Wales Waratahs are keen on luring Beale back to Sydney for next season, it would appear Beale won't play for the Rebels again.

"The focus and priority at the Rebels has always been Kurtley's welfare," Rebels CEO Rob Clarke said. "All parties agree that it is in Kurtley's best interests for that to continue. The decision not to select Kurtley in the Rebels' final match will allow him to complete the next phase of his program."

Beale played in all three of the Lions Test matches and will remain in Sydney over the next few weeks to prepare himself for possible selection for the first Bledisloe Cup Test on August 17. Fellow Wallabies player James O'Connor and Nick Phipps are both back in Melbourne and should be available to take on the Highlanders at AAMI Park on Friday night.

The match is the last for coach Damien Hill, while foundation prop Nic Henderson is retiring and Ged Robinson and Gareth Delve are both leaving the club.

© Sportal

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