Wallaby star faces criminal charges

Police said Saturday that Wallabies star Kurtley Beale will face a charge of common assault after a row with security guards at a Brisbane hotel earlier this month.


Queensland police informed Beale, who was out of the Australian side who beat Wales 25-23 in a thrilling Test match Melbourne on Saturday with a shoulder injury, that he will face one count of common assault.


Beale was involved in an altercation with security guards after being asked to leave the Victory Hotel ahead of Australia's first Test with Wales.


The Australian Rugby Union have put on hold its own disciplinary process surrounding Beale until the police matter is resolved.


Until then Beale remains available for Super Rugby and the Wallabies, the ARU said.


Beale was out with fellow Wallaby Quade Cooper, who was celebrating his re-signing with the Queensland Reds.


No charges have been laid against Cooper, the ARU said.


"The ARU disciplinary process into the same issue headed by integrity manager Phil Thomson has been placed on hold until the external matter is resolved," an ARU official said.


Beale remains available for selection for next week's third and final Test against Wales in Sydney pending his recovery from injury and is also available for the Melbourne Rebels when the Super 15 competition resumes later this month.


AFP