For the second time this year Wallabies playmaker, Kurtley Beale has quit rugby, only this time he has checked himself into a facility to deal with his demons.

rugby365

A statement by the Australian Rugby Union on Monday revealed that Beale will take an “indefinite leave of absence” from playing to seek assistance in resolving personal issues.

“Kurtley has voluntarily entered a private health facility in order to undertake counselling,” the statement said.

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

With the British and Irish Lions tour fast approaching, it is now looking extremely unlikely that Beale will play any part.

“Any future selection will be dependent upon successful completion of his treatment program,” the ARU statement said – leaving the back door ever so slightly ajar for the troubled player.

Beale has requested that his privacy be respected at this time.

The latest episode in the sorry saga that is Beale comes after he was stood down last week for a breach of the Rebels’ behavioural policies.

The suspended Beale missed the team’s Super Rugby loss to the Blues this past Saturday, just one week after he returned from a four-game suspension and a hand injury.

The latest ban was for breaking an alcohol ban and missing an appointment with a psychologist.

Beale went out drinking with teammates after his return from suspension against the Chiefs.

That game was his return to the Rebels’ playing group after serving a four-match ban for punching teammates Gareth Delve and Cooper Vuna following a loss to the Sharks in Durban.

Earlier this year Beale barely avoided jail time, after police dropped an assault charge against him. It came after he reached an agreement through mediation with his victim.

Beale faced a Brisbane court last July after he hit a hotel bouncer the morning before an Australia versus Wales Test in June. The case was postponed and he eventually reached a settlement.

Kurtley Beale’s troubled past:

• 2007: Caught drink-driving while unlicensed.
• June 2010: Found not guilty of assaulting his 17-year-old female cousin.
• November 2010: Involved in an incident with Quade Cooper and James O’Connor in Paris on Wallabies year-end tour.
• July 2011: Pleads guilty to driving a high performance vehicle while on a provisional licence. No conviction recorded.
• June 2012: Accused of assaulting bouncer at Brisbane hotel. Matter settled by mediation.
• March 2013: Fined AU$40,000, suspended indefinitely and agrees to enter alcohol counselling program after punching Rebels captain Gareth Delve and teammate Cooper Vuna.
• May 2013: Breaks agreement not to touch alcohol by drinking while attending Melbourne Storm-Canberra Raiders NRL match.
• May 2013: Sleeps in and misses counselling session with psychologist.