Wallabies dump Kurtley Beale after in-flight bust-up

Wallaby back Kurtley Beale is under investigation by the Australian Rugby Union over a bust-up with a team official on a flight and has been left out of the team to play Argentina on Saturday.

Beale was allegedly involved in a heated verbal argument with Wallabies business manager Di Patston during the team's 10-hour flight from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo on Sunday, Fairfax Media reported.

Reports said the incident, which has been referred to the Australian Rugby Union's integrity unit for investigation, culminated in Patston's departure from Buenos Aires two days later.

The Wallabies are in Argentina preparing to play the Pumas in Mendoza on Saturday and Beale was left out of the match-day squad after coming off the bench against South Africa last week.

"We're aware of an alleged incident involving Wallabies player Kurtley Beale on a flight from South Africa to Brazil on Sunday," 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.