Melbourne Rebels at odds with Kurtley Beale's manager over handling of star's contract talks

A WAR of words has erupted between Melbourne Rebels and Kurtley Beale's management following the messy departure of the star playmaker.

A WAR of words has erupted between Melbourne Rebels and Kurtley Beale's management following the messy departure of the star playmaker.

Beale’s manager Isaac Moses has slammed the club, claiming it announced it would not be extending the contract of Beale after the Wallaby had already decided to leave the Super Rugby franchise.

"I have dealt with football clubs in three codes in this country and internationally and I can't remember encountering dealings such as this one," Moses told The Australian.

"The entire affair has been handled appallingly.

"From my perspective it became obvious there were certain individuals within the Rebels administration who appeared far more interested in making a name for themselves than creating a winning football organisation."

Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke hit back, saying the club had made "a simple statement supporting Kurtley and clarifying their position."

"We have always and will continue to support Kurtley through this process and at all times have made decisions in the best interests of Kurtley's welfare," Clarke said.

"For a player manager to provide false comments and information is amateur and disappointing.

Kurtley Beale

"The last offer that was presented to Kurtley was in April by the Rebels former CEO, which was allowed by Beale and his manager to lapse.

"There has been no offer, verbal or formal since then.

"As communicated by Kurtley recently in the media, he has achieved a lot off the field 'with the support of close family and friends, the ARU, the Melbourne Rebels and a lot of my close teammates.'"

The Rebels announced on Saturday it would be cutting its ties with Beale, less than a week after revealing it would not be extending Wallaby James O’Connor’s contract.

The 24-year-old, who appears certain to sign with NSW Waratahs, has battled a number of personal issues this year and was sent home from the Rebels’ tour of South Africa after a bust-up with departed captain Gareth Delve and winger Cooper Vuna.

"At all times – often at the expense of the Club - Kurtley’s welfare has been the priority," Clarke said.

"It's not about the Rebels or the Waratahs. It's about a young man who has admitted to issues and is taking the appropriate steps to confront them head on."