Wallaby Kurtley Beale dropped over ‘offensive’ text messages
Troubled back sidelined as investigation begins into alleged involvement in distributing ‘inappropriate and distasteful’ material about ARU staff member
Troubled Wallabies back Kurtley Beale will miss next week's test against the All Blacks amid fresh allegations over "deeply offensive" text messages dating back to June, the Australian Rugby Union said on Thursday.
Beale came under investigation by the ARU following a bust-up with a team official on a flight from South Africa to Argentina and was left out of the team who lost 21-17 to the Pumas in Mendoza last weekend.
But ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said the investigation into the argument on the flight had now become a secondary issue.
We became aware of this incident this week and believe an independent tribunal is the appropriate forum for these allegations to be considered
He said Beale was allegedly involved in distributing "deeply offensive" material related to an ARU staff member in June.
"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.