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Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale has been stood down from Wallabies selections after fresh allegations emerged about inappropriate and offensive text messages he distributed in June this year.
The messages allegedly reference an ARU staff member, and the new investigation follows Beale’s clash with Wallabies Team Manager Di Patston last week.
Beale was dropped from the Wallabies bench following the altercation with the ARU staffer on the plane from South Africa, after he was allegedly told to change his shirt.
The new allegations relate to messages and images allegedly distributed by Beale in June of 2014, which the ARU consider to be “highly inappropriate and deeply offensive” referencing an ARU staff member.
The ARU has referred the allegations to a code of conduct tribunal, and Beale will be unavailable for selection for the Wallabies until the tribunal reaches a conclusion.
“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,” Mr Pulver said.
Although the indicident allegedly occurred in June, ARU CEO Bill Pulver says this is the first time management were advised of the issue.
“We became aware of this incident this week and believe an independent Tribunal is the appropriate forum for these allegations to be considered,” Pulver said.
“This also provides Kurtley with an opportunity to present his response to the matter through an impartial process.”
Beale is also still facing action for the altercation with Ms Patston on the plane, with Pulver saying that investigation was ongoing, but hints that it is of less concern than the new allegations.
“The investigation into the argument on the plane has become a secondary matter in recent days, with our focus diverted to these new allegations. We will finalise the investigation into the in-flight argument in due course.”
The precise nature of the messages being distributed is unclear at this stage.
Any connection between the two incidents is also unclear.
The Roar understands that Ms Patston is currently on sick leave.
The tribunal will be chaired by District Court Judge Mark Williams and will include representatives nominated by the Australian Rugby Union and the Rugby Union Players’ Association.
The date for the hearing will be set in coming days, but it is expected to proceed early next week.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.