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Kurtley Beale’s short-term Wallabies future is in serious jeopardy after the ARU launched a fresh investigation into the troubled star allegedly distributing offensive text messages concerning a team staff member.
Beale, who was suspended indefinitely from all rugby on Thursday, is already the subject of a separate inquiry by the game’s integrity unit over an alleged confrontation with Wallabies business manager Di Patston on a flight between South Africa and Argentina.
It’s understood Patston is also the subject of the text messages uncovered by the ARU on Tuesday night, described by chief executive Bill Pulver as being inappropriate and “deeply offensive”.
Speculation suggests the Wallabies camp has become a dysfunctional environment, with rumours circulating about McKenzie and Patston’s relationship and that members of the team have lost support for the coach.
However, Pulver said he was comfortable with the working dynamic between McKenzie and Patston and denied the team had become divided.
Pulver refused to comment on whether Patston was the subject of Beale’s messages sent to members of the Wallabies team environment, however he admitted the staff member involved was inadvertently sent the offending material.
McKenzie didn’t find out about the messages until this week, according to Pulver.
Beale, who has been linked to a move to the NRL and French rugby, has a history of off-field incidents and potentially faces severe sanctions at next week’s independent code of conduct tribunal to be chaired by District Court Judge Mark Williams.
“The investigation into the argument on the plane has become a secondary matter in recent days,” said Pulver, with Beale ruled out of the Bledisloe Cup clash in Brisbane on October 18.
“I really don’t want to prejudge (potential consequences). It’s sufficient to say this is deeply offensive material involved. Now we need to run a process where Kurtley has his opportunity to present his case.”
Pulver said he supported McKenzie’s decision to abandon a Wallabies training session in Argentina and accompany Patston to a Buenos Aires airport where she made an early return home to Australia following the midair incident involving Beale.
ARU boss Pulver, who hired McKenzie last year, gave the coach his full backing and said he had no issue with Patston’s appointment.
“I’m conscious of speculation about that issue but I am very comfortable with the due diligence that went into that,” he said.
“I’m totally confident (the players support McKenzie). Ewen is a great coach.”
Pulver said Patston had taken indefinite sick leave and the ARU was concerned about her health.
“The last week has been a very stressful week for Di and we have an absolute duty of care to take care of Di and I would sincerely ask all the media to respect her privacy,” he said.
Pulver denied the Wallabies were dysfunctional or that players would be distracted heading into the clash with the All Blacks.
He even went as far as to suggest that had Australia beaten South Africa and Argentina on their recent tour, the messy situation wouldn’t have blown up as it has.
Beale’s suspension has also left the Wallabies with a selection headache ahead of Friday’s Bledisloe team announcement, with fellow inside back Matt Toomua also set to miss out with ongoing concussion problems.
Both injured No.8s Wycliff Palu (concussion) and Ben McCalman (shoulder) are also unlikely to be considered.
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.