Beale survives axe, Pulver reluctantly accepts ruling

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Kurtley Beale

MORE: The colourful career of Kurtley Beale | LIVE COVERAGE: D-day - Kurtley Beale's hearing

Beale was found guilty of 'a serious violation of the ARU Code of Conduct' for sending an offensive photograph to former ARU Business Manager Di Patston and was fined $45,000.

However, the three-man panel chaired by District Court judge Mark Williams SC and including Rugby Union Players Association rep John Boultbee and ARU barrister Dominic Villa, found Beale not guilty of sending 'a second more offensive text and photograph.

The identity of the person who second the second text remains a mystery.

Beale and Patston were involved in a heated mid-air argument on the tour of South Africa and Argentina earlier this month, resulting in Patston flying home and resigning after making a formal complaint about alleged messages sent in June.

The saga also ultimately cost Ewen McKenzie his job, with the former coach resigning last Saturday after losing the support of his players.

Neither Patston or McKenzie attended the hearing.

Beale, who is expected to join the Wallabies squad in London in the coming days, left via a side tour and did not address the media but apologised to Patston and the rugby community for his actions in a statement.

"I am satisfied with tonight's outcome. There was conjecture about my contract being terminated, however the Tribunal agreed that on the basis of the evidence that a fine was appropriate," Beale said.

"I'm relieved there is no termination and no suspension and I can now continue playing Rugby.

"I'm also happy the evidence presented to the Tribunal did not establish that I sent the second text and photograph. This is why I fought so hard to prove my innocence regarding that text.

"I'd like to apologise to Di Patston and the broader community for my behaviour, particularly to Rugby fans.

"I have had a fair hearing tonight and will work to re-gain the respect of my team mates, fans and the general Australian community.

"I am extremely proud to represent my country, and I will work hard to ensure my behaviour reflects the honour and privilege of playing for Australia at all times, on and off the field."

A rattled ARU boss Bill Pulver faced a testy media pack after the verdict was handed down.

He was grilled over why he allowed Beale to slip out a side door rather than face the music and twice failed to confirm whether or not the ARU would have preferred the 25-year-old had been sacked.

"Look I don't want to speak specifically about the contents of the tribunal, it was closed hearing so I really don't want to speak about any further details," he said.

Pulver added of Beale's hasty exit: "That's his option, it's not for me to guide Kurtley in terms of his media appearance or otherwise."

Reminded he is the CEO of the organisation Beale works for, Pulver replied: "I didn't think that was appropriate (to tell him to face the music). We've been through a hearing today and it was his choice to leave and I didn't think it was appropriate to instruct him otherwise.

"... We haven't protected him, it was his choice with his solicitors to leave the building."

He said of Beale's spring tour prospects: "He's eligible to join the Spring tour. He's eligible to play for the Wallabies immediately and clearly I'll be calling the Wallabies coach a little later to inform him of the outcome."

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