TROUBLED WALLABIES BACK Kurtley Beale will miss next week’s Test against the All Blacks amid fresh allegations over his behaviour, said the Australian Rugby Union.
Beale came under investigation by the ARU following a bust-up with a team official on a flight from South Africa to Argentina and was left out of the team that lost 21-17 to the Pumas in Mendoza last weekend.
But ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said the investigation into the argument on the flight has now become a secondary issue.
He said Beale was allegedly involved in distributing “deeply offensive” material related to an ARU staff member in June.
“This matter relates to Kurtley Beale allegedly distributing what we consider highly inappropriate and deeply offensive text messages and images to a number of people in June, referencing an ARU staff member,” Pulver said.
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“We became aware of this incident this week and believe an independent tribunal is the appropriate forum for these allegations to be considered.
“This also provides Kurtley with an opportunity to present his response to the matter through an impartial process.
The investigation into the argument on the plane has become a secondary matter in recent days, with our focus diverted to these new allegations,” he said.
“We will finalise the investigation into the in-flight argument in due course.”
Pulver said as a result Beale would not be considered for Wallabies selection with coach Ewen McKenzie set to announce on Friday his team to play New Zealand in Brisbane on October 18.
The CEO said he expected the Code of Conduct Tribunal to proceed early next week.
Beale in action against the All Blacks in August. Rob Griffith
Rob Griffith
Beale was allegedly involved in a heated verbal argument with Wallabies business manager Di Patston during the team’s 10-hour flight from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo last Sunday.
Reports said the incident culminated in Patston’s departure from Buenos Aires two days later.
Beale’s 47-Test career has been dogged by a succession of off-field problems and last year the 25-year-old was forced to undergo counselling and rehabilitation for his struggles with alcohol.
The NSW Waratahs playmaker is off contract for next season and has yet to agree on a new deal with the ARU.
Beale in more trouble after allegedly distributing 'deeply offensive' material
TROUBLED WALLABIES BACK Kurtley Beale will miss next week’s Test against the All Blacks amid fresh allegations over his behaviour, said the Australian Rugby Union.
Beale came under investigation by the ARU following a bust-up with a team official on a flight from South Africa to Argentina and was left out of the team that lost 21-17 to the Pumas in Mendoza last weekend.
But ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said the investigation into the argument on the flight has now become a secondary issue.
He said Beale was allegedly involved in distributing “deeply offensive” material related to an ARU staff member in June.
“This matter relates to Kurtley Beale allegedly distributing what we consider highly inappropriate and deeply offensive text messages and images to a number of people in June, referencing an ARU staff member,” Pulver said.
“We became aware of this incident this week and believe an independent tribunal is the appropriate forum for these allegations to be considered.
“This also provides Kurtley with an opportunity to present his response to the matter through an impartial process.
“We will finalise the investigation into the in-flight argument in due course.”
Pulver said as a result Beale would not be considered for Wallabies selection with coach Ewen McKenzie set to announce on Friday his team to play New Zealand in Brisbane on October 18.
The CEO said he expected the Code of Conduct Tribunal to proceed early next week.
Beale was allegedly involved in a heated verbal argument with Wallabies business manager Di Patston during the team’s 10-hour flight from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo last Sunday.
Reports said the incident culminated in Patston’s departure from Buenos Aires two days later.
Beale’s 47-Test career has been dogged by a succession of off-field problems and last year the 25-year-old was forced to undergo counselling and rehabilitation for his struggles with alcohol.
The NSW Waratahs playmaker is off contract for next season and has yet to agree on a new deal with the ARU.
- © AFP, 2014
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aru Deeply Offensive Material Investigation Kurtley Beale New Zealand Wallabies