10 Oct 2014

Beale stood down over 'offensive' texts

6:57 pm on 10 October 2014

Wallabies first five eighth Quade Cooper's been thrown an international rugby lifeline thanks to Kurtley Beale, who was suspended on Thursday.

Quade Cooper on duty for the Queensland Reds

Quade Cooper on duty for the Queensland Reds Photo: PHOTOSPORT

That's led the Australian selectors to recall the New Zealand-born Cooper to their squad for next week's final Bledisloe Cup Test.

Beale faces a hearing into allegations he was responsible for sending offensive text messages about a team official back in June.

Kurtley Beale

Kurtley Beale Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The allegations came to light this week as part of the ARU's investigation into an in-flight altercation between Beale and three members of the Wallaby management team last week.

ARU chief executive Bill Pulver says Beale allegedly distributed highly inappropriate and deeply offensive text messages and images to a number of people in June, referencing an ARU staff member.

He says the argument on the plane has now become a secondary matter and Beale will not be available for Wallabies selection until the investiagion has been concluded.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal will be chaired by District Court Judge Mark Williams and will include representatives nominated by the Australian Rugby Union and the Rugby Union Players' Association.

The date for the Code of Conduct Tribunal hearing will be set in coming days, but it is expected to proceed early next week.