Beale faces new ARU investigation

Kurtley Beale will be left out of the Wallabies squad to play the All Blacks due to the Australian Rugby Union launching another investigation involving the star back.

Already under investigation for a verbal altercation with Wallabies business manager Di Patston, Beale will now face a new code of conduct hearing for a separate “serious” matter.

ARU chief executive Bill Pulver on Thursday said the investigation into the argument on the flight from South Africa last week had become a secondary issue.

Pulver said Beale was allegedly involved in distributing “deeply offensive” material related to an ARU staff member in June.

The new incident was raised for the first time with ARU management on Tuesday, leading to the code of conduct tribunal hearing to be chaired by District Court judge Mark Williams.

Beale, whose future in the game is now on shaky ground, will not be considered for Test selection before the end the tribunal hearing, set down for next week.

He will miss Saturday week’s third Bledisloe Test against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium.

“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.

“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.

The tribunal will also include representatives nominated by the ARU and the Rugby Union Players Association.

Pulver was forced to answer questions about Patston’s position and qualifications.

He said it had been a highly stressful week for the business manager, who followed Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie into the role from the Queensland Reds.

“Di is currently on indefinite sick leave,” Pulver said. “Our number one concern for her at the moment is to get back to good health.”

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