Rugby Australia has confirmed NSW Waratahs fullback Kurtley Beale has been stood down from rugby effective immediately.
The 33-year-old was reportedly charged with two counts of sexually touching another person without consent, inciting another person to sexually touch them without consent, and sexual intercourse without consent.
In a statement, Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs advise that Beale has been suspended from all forms of rugby with immediate effect pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, as well as Rugby Australia’s own investigations.
They say this step follows Beale’s arrest and subsequent charge with serious criminal offences, and is in line with Rugby Australia’s Professional Player Code of Conduct.
Rugby Australia says the Rugby Union Players Association has been informed of this development.
They say there will be no further comments from them until the conclusion of these proceedings.
Beale signed with the NSW Waratahs for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season from French club Racing 92.
He returned to the club where he made his Super Rugby debut in 2007, playing 148 games for the club over three stints.
Beale went on to make his Wallabies debut in 2009, representing his country on 90 occasions.
Rugby.com.au
