Kurtley Beale dropped by Australia after alleged row on flight

83

Kurtley Beale is under investigation by the Australian Rugby Union over an alleged altercation with a female team official and has been left out of the team to play Argentina this weekend.

Beale was reportedly involved in a heated argument  during a flight to South America on Sunday.

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie said the staff member had since returned home.

James Horwill and Scott Higginbotham have been recalled for Saturday’s Rugby Championship match in Mendoza.

Horwill will replace lock Rob Simmons, with Higginbotham in for Ben McCalman at number eight.

Simmons suffered concussion and McCalman hurt his shoulder in the 28-10 loss in South Africa last weekend.

Beale has not been named among the replacements, leaving only Nic White and Rob Horne as reinforcements for the backline.

Australia team: Folau; Cooper, Kuridrani, Toomua, Tomane; Foley, Phipps; Slipper, Faingaa, Kepu, Carter, Horwill, Fardy, Hooper (capt), Higginbotham; Replacements: Mann-Rea, Robinson, Alexander, Skelton, Schatz, Hodgson, White, Horne.