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ESPN staff
Rugby Australia has again opted not to sanction Wallabies star Kurtley Beale after a second video surfaced on social media showing him in the vicinity of alleged illicit drug use.
Vision of Beale laughing while an older man snorted white powder from a plate was posted online on Tuesday afternoon, before Channel 9 broadcast another video 24 hours later which showed the veteran playmaker using a vacuum cleaner to play a didgeridoo amid more alleged substance abuse.
Rugby Australia had been comfortable with Beale’s level of regret and an apology following the first video, which was believed to have been taken in 2016, and the governing body has taken the same stance for the second clip, which reportedly followed the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
“On Wednesday, Rugby Australia became aware of a second video featuring Kurtley Beale,” RA chief executive Raelene Castle said via a media release. “Our understanding is that the video was recorded in late 2015.
“As with the first video which surfaced on Monday and was recorded in 2016, Kurtley was not seen in the vision to be involved in the use of any illicit substances.
“Kurtley returned from a brief trip to New Zealand yesterday and has spoken with Rugby Australia’s Integrity Unit in relation to the second video. Following this conversation, Rugby Australia has determined not to proceed with any formal disciplinary action over Kurtley’s appearance in the videos.
“These videos were recorded a number of years ago, and Kurtley has again stressed his regret at placing himself at significant risk and for the damage the videos have caused to the image of both himself and the sport.
“These videos serve as a warning to every professional Rugby player in Australia of the risks associated with placing themselves in compromising situations, particularly in environments where illicit drugs may be present.”