Beale fined for breaching ARU code

Australian international Kurtley Beale has been find 45,000 Australian dollars after being found guilty of a serious breach of the Australian Rugby Union's code of conduct.

An independent tribunal came to its decision after Beale admitted sending an offensive photograph to an ARU employee in June.

The tribunal found that the there was not enough evidence to establish that Beale had sent a second, more offensive text and photograph.

Mitigating factors were taken into account by the ARU before they determined the level of punishment.

"These include Beale's contrition, the unpleasant consequences the matter had created for the ARU employee and Beale, and the fact that Beale had already effectively been suspended from recent matches," an ARU statement read.  

In the same statement, Beale said: "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.  

"I am  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 (former Wallabies official) Di Patston and the broader community for my behaviour, particularly to rugby fans.

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

Beale, who has played 47 time for Australia, scoring 113 points, is now eligible for selection and is expected to be part of the squad that heads to Europe to play Wales, France, Ireland and England next month.