Australian Rugby Union has referred Kurtley Beale’s hearing to the Code of Conduct Tribunal amid fresh misconduct allegations.
An ARU hearing into an incident during last week’s Wallabies team flight from South Africa to Brazil has uncovered what was described by ARU CEO Bill Pulver as a “highly inappropriate” text message scandal. Beale has been stood down from the Wallabies until the Code of Conduct Tribunal meets next week.
“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.
“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.”
A female ARU staffer elected to fly back to Australia ahead of the Wallabies’ historic defeat to Argentina last weekend following an in-flight incident involving Beale. The 25-year-old remained with the 23-man squad but was suspended for the 21-17 loss in Mendoza.
Beale denied alcohol was involved in the incident but did admit to drinking the night before after a loss to South Africa in Cape Town.
Reports last week indicated that Beale would opt for a code change to the NRL or a lucrative offer in France regardless of the outcome in the ARU investigation.
Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
