Rugby Australia statement: The arrest of Kurtley Beale

Rugby Australia have issued a statement following the arrest of Kurtley Beale, suspending the Test-level veteran from all rugby activities with immediate effect. The statement read: “Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs advise that Kurtley Beale has been suspended from all forms of rugby with immediate effect pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, as well as Rugby Australia’s own investigations.

“This step follows Mr Beale’s arrest and subsequent charge with serious criminal offences, and is in line with Rugby Australia’s professional player code of conduct. The Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) has been informed of this development.

“As this remains a legal matter, there will be no further comment until the conclusion of these proceedings.”

A New South Wales Police statement earlier on Friday read: “A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into an alleged sexual assault in Sydney’s east last year. In December, officers from Tweed/Byron Police District received a report a 28-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted at a licensed premise on Beach Road, Bondi Beach, on Saturday, December 17.

“Detectives from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command took carriage of the matter and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Titheradge. Following inquiries, a 33-year-old man was arrested following a vehicle stop on Rainbow Street, Kingsford, just before 2.30 pm today. He has been taken to Waverley Police Station. Inquiries continue.”