Kurtley Beale has apologised to Rugby Australia but will receive no punishment after he was seen laughing at a man appearing to consume drugs in a video circulated on social media.
The Wallabies centre was spotted in the background of a 14-second video which showed NRL star Corey Norman encouraging a man to snort a white substance.
The video was filmed in 2016, but resurfaced on Monday night amid a spate of videos featuring NRL players.
Rugby Australia (RA) boss Raelene Castle said Beale had immediately contacted her to apologise over the incident.
“Rugby Australia only became aware of the vision after it had surfaced on social media on Monday afternoon and understands that it was recorded in 2016,” Castle said.
“After becoming aware that the vision was being shared on social media, Kurtley contacted me last night to apologise for the negative attention the video had attracted and expressed regret at putting himself in a compromising position at that time.
“Kurtley has today met with Rugby Australia’s Integrity Unit to provide his version of events and the high standards that are expected of him as a professional Rugby player have been firmly reiterated.
“Kurtley acknowledges that his presence in the video and the humour he expressed at the incident at the time does not reflect the image that is expected of a professional rugby player.”
An RA spokesperson later confirmed that the 30-year-old Waratahs star would not face any disciplinary action over the incident and it now considered the matter closed.
It comes just months after Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper were suspended for a Test against England on the Wallabies’ spring tour for breaching team rules and allowing two women into their hotel room.
One of the women was Ashley-Cooper’s sister-in-law, and Castle confirmed at the time there was no suggestion of anything inappropriate occurring.
Ryan
Roar Rookie
I was making a slight joke at the fact that Beale, if he was to take drugs, would do it now rather than in 2016. Why? Because Australia is playing poorly right now and in 2016 we weren't as bad. And, Israel Folau's beliefs are less disappointing because the majority of Australia believe in quality for both Heterosexuals and LGBT people. Beale wasn't even doing any drugs, someone else was. Furthermore, consuming drugs is a health, medical problem and should be viewed upon in such a way that does not condemn the individual too harshly.
CUW
Roar Rookie
im a nobody in my country and noone looks upto me or follows me or stalks me. so what i do is not national news and noone cares maybe its the same with u in aussy - i dont know. my point is national figures have added responsibilities. more so now in this internet twitter utube whatsapp etc age.
CUW
Roar Rookie
i dont care but that is how it was perceived in USA - they had to issue public statements and apologies and all that. especially in the case of Vonn - who is one of the best Alpine skiers ever and one time Woods gf to boot. by those standards aussy guys shud be hung :D
Cadfael
Roar Guru
One source said this was from 2015 now 2016. Had this happened ijn the last 12 months or so, jump on him but this is near ancient history.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Well we don't have freedom of speech in Australia to begin with. But anyway, don't conflate "ideas that people disagree with" to comments that imply people who are born a certain way are inferior and deserve to burn in hell for all eternity should they not repent for being who they are. Izzy can state, I disagree with having sex with me, therefore I don't partake in that.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
TWAS: What has a 'huge chunk' got to do with it? So you cannot state ideas that a 'huge chunk' disagree with? Nice way to destroy freedom of speech that millions died for. There again, I guess they are out trumped by you and others that agree with your ideas.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
You consider someone having their private accounts hacked and stolen photos leaked even remotely similar? That's a bit rough.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Probably because Kurtley's laughing wasn't condemning a huge chunk of the population
stillmissit
Roar Guru
I think this is a stupid beat up on social media but amazed that you find him laughing at someone doing something stupid less 'disappointing' than Israel Folau stating his belief's.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
TWAS: How come people are so sensitive and prepared to condemn another until it comes to them then the story generally changes to "I let myself down" " etc etc I find all these emotionally driven outbursts somewhat childish. Like you, I am no fan of Kurtley but lets nail him when there are facts and not some non-event like this.
liquorbox_
Roar Rookie
I would depend on the state you are in. In QLD he could be seen to have "constructive possession" as he had the ability to control the possession of the substance, without removing himself he may also be seen as a party to the offence under case law R v BECK. This does not mean that any prosecution would take place though
Bobby
Roar Rookie
One just hopes there are only 2 videos out there Interesting that RA is considering 3 month hair follicle tests Now that would throw the issue to a new level.
CJ
Guest
I think he just lacks some maturity, responsibility and judgment. But he wouldn't be the first rugby player or (relatively) young person to be guilty of that. But why do people feel the need to film these compromising things?
Bobby
Guest
As someone else said what Folau did to homosexuals was more damaging to rugby than what KB did.. what happens when a player has an accident in a car and mains some kid. Do you rub him out as well. The world and particularly Australia has gone mad with holier than holy people putting unrealistic expectations on "minor" incidents found throughout society.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
That's a perfectly reasonably point. Beale's issue is the people around him have been different at various times, but he's been consistently the one in trouble across his career. In this case he appears just to be present though.
piru
Roar Rookie
SO CUW! I don't know, I'm just saying he seems to get led around by the crowd a bit - wasn't making excuses for him. Can any of us honestly say we've never been present when some of our mates did something silly (or illegal)? I know I can't.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Unfortunately not.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Is being stupid on a continual basis a crime?
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Had it not been one of the "stars", Raelene would have acted tough & made an example of them. Brad Thorn has the right idea. Perhaps not the success on field however repeat miscreants can ply their trade elsewhere.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
2 comments. Firstly he probably produced a character reference from Karmichael Hunt. Secondly I think the soft drink company whose jingle espouses "things go better with Coke" is to blame.