RISING Wallabies and Waratahs back Kurtley Beale has been charged with common assault following an incident that is alleged to have occurred at a family birthday party back in July.
The 20-year-old was charged on Friday and is due to appear in court on January 13. Beale has spoken to officials over the past 24 hours, saying he strenuously denies the allegation and that he will vigorously defend the charge.
The Daily Telegraph understands the matter is classified as a domestic violence issue and the complainant is believed to be female cousin.
Beale is currently on leave after touring with the Wallabies on their recent spring tour and is not due to resume training with the Waratahs until mid-January.
"As a result of the discussions with Kurtley we have reached a mutual agreement that, as the court appearance follows only a few days after his scheduled return to Waratahs training, it would be sensible for him to stay on leave until after the court appearance," an ARU spokesman said.
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"Under ARU code of conduct protocol the matter will also be referred to a disciplinary tribunal established by NSW Rugby Union. However, any review by a rugby disciplinary tribunal under the code of conduct would only follow resolution of the matter in the courts."
Beale was a schoolboy star who attended the famous rugby nursery St Joseph's College and has had his rugby career under the spotlight since he was 13.
He made his Super 14 debut for the Waratahs in his first year out of school, playing 10 matches in 2007 and representing Australia A the same season.
He was one of the young players to excel on the Wallabies' spring tour of Europe and, after starring with a two-try performance on the wing against Cardiff Blues, earned his first Test cap as a replacement in the final Test, a victory over Wales.
He is shaping up as a key backline figure for the Waratahs in next season's Super 14.
Beale's charge comes after his Wallabies teammate Quade Cooper appeared in Southport Magistrates Court last Friday charged with burglary. Cooper's matter was adjourned until July next year, with his solicitor Angelo Venardos saying there was a lot more to the story.
The Queensland back is also currently on leave following the Wallabies' spring tour and is due back to begin Queensland training on July 13.
Cooper's committal hearing will take place six weeks after the Super 14 season finishes.
The ARU and Queensland Rugby intend to formalise their position on a way forward regarding Cooper in the next few days.
Meanwhile, the Gordon club have pulled off a coup by securing the services of new Waratahs recruit and Emerging Springboks second-rower Hendrik Roodt for next season.
