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Beale next to hit hot water
Kurtley Beale: Facing a court hearing
Following on from the curious case of Quade Cooper and the break-in, Kurtley Beale is the next young Wallaby to be in trouble with the law.
Beale has been charged with assault as a result of a family dispute at a birthday party back in July.
The 20-year-old, who made his Wallabies debut last month, will go to a local court on January 13 to answer the charges.
Beale's agent Isaac Moses and the barrister representing him, Stephen Stanton, were both unavailable for comment but according to a statement, the fly-half plans to fight the charge.
"Kurtley has told us he will vigorously defend the charge and denies the allegation," said a spokesman last night.
"He is entitled under the justice system to the presumption of innocence.
The ARU is awaiting the verdict before deciding on disciplinary action, but Beale is now on extended leave from the Waratahs, ahead of next year's Super 14, until the matter is cleared up.
"Obviously the ARU and the NSWRU are concerned one of our players will be facing court next month and the nature of the charge, " said an ARU spokesman.
"Officials have spoken to Kurtley over the last 24 hours. As a result of these discussions we have reached mutual agreement that as the court appearance follows only a few days after his scheduled return to Waratahs training it would be sensible for Kurtley to stay on leave until after the court appearance."
"Under ARU code of conduct protocols the matter will also be referred to a disciplinary tribunal established by the NSWRU.
"However any review by a rugby disciplinary tribunal under the code of conduct would only follow resolution of the matter now in the courts."
