Beale faces investigation

Editor

Kurtley Beale faces a disciplinary investigation after an incident on Australia’s flight to South America on Sunday.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, Beale is being investigated by the ARU’s integrity unit for alleged verbal abuse of a member of team management on the trip to Brazil.

The staff member has since left the touring party ahead of Saturday’s game against Argentina which will bring the curtain down on the Rugby Championship.

Beale has continued training with the squad however, and is expected to play in Mendoza, with the results of the investigation not expected before Saturday’s game.

“We’re aware of an alleged incident involving Qantas Wallabies player Kurtley Beale on a flight from South Africa to Brazil on Sunday 28 September 2014,” an ARU spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph.

“The matter has been referred by Team Management to the Australian Rugby Union’s Integrity team to be investigated according to our usual processes.

“This investigation will ensure all parties have an opportunity to present all relevant facts, before any assessment of the alleged incident can be reached. We expect the investigation will be completed by the end of next week.

“We can confirm that a Qantas Wallabies staff member has left the team to return to Australia.”

It’s not the first Beale has been in trouble with the authorities, having been suspended in 2013 after an incident with the Melbourne Rebels which led to him going into rehab for alcohol issues.

Since his return he has played a key role for new side the Waratahs as they won a maiden Super Rugby title this season, while he has been a regular in the Wallabies squad, although Bernard Foley has been the preferred starter at fly-half in recent games.

Beale is out of contract with the ARU at the end of this season and it’s not clear whether this incident could have an impact on his future with the Wallabies.