Rugby: We'll look at Beale when he's fit - Wallabies

Kurtley Beale has been cleared for selection after the text scandal. Photo / Getty Images

Kurtley Beale could join the Wallabies' tour of Europe as soon as he's deemed fit enough.

Beale remains in Australia as his teammates prepare for this weekend's tour opener against the Barbarians in London, despite being declared eligible for selection after the text messaging scandal involving former staff member Di Patston.

Newly-appointed coach Michael Cheika had already left the door open for Beale to join the tour, saying on Saturday that the Waratahs playmaker needed some time away to work on his fitness and state of mind after the controversy.

Assistant coach Nathan Grey confirmed on Monday Beale would be considered for a call-up when he proved his fitness. "He hasn't played for a long period of time so we know he's working hard trying to get up to speed in terms of his physical condition," said Grey, who has joined the Wallabies as defensive coach; the same role he holds alongside Cheika at the Waratahs.

"Once he's done that, he's definitely going to be considered for selection. The process he's been through has been nice and clear and direct and it's been resolved so it's now a matter of getting on with rugby."

Beale was last week found guilty of a serious violation of the Australian Rugby Union Code of Conduct by an independent tribunal in Sydney and given a A$45,000 ($50,000) fine, for sending an offensive photograph to then-ARU employee Patston.

However, he was found not guilty of a more serious charge involving a second, more offensive text message, meaning he escaped suspension.

Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps said the Australian players would welcome back Beale with open arms if he earned a late call-up to the tour, which includes tests against Wales, France, Ireland and England.

"Who wouldn't want Kurtley back in the fold?" Phipps said of his Waratahs teammate. "The coach has made pretty clear it depends if he's fit but we're going to throw our full support behind him.

"At the end of the day, we've got to have our best 33 players over here and if he fits into that, he'll come over."

The scandal refuses to go away with former Wallabies business manager Patston speaking out over the investigation process and claiming Beale played her for a fool.

There are calls for ARU to investigate who sent the second text message and speculation the inquiry could be reopened, the latter of which would almost certainly end Beale's hopes of joining the spring tour.

Phipps said the controversy had been impossible to ignore but insisted team spirit and unity was strong.

"The playing group is a lot happier," Phipps said. "Everyone's joking around having a good time and bonding really well." AAP