ARU to investigate Beale and coach
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The Australian Rugby Union's integrity unit is looking to finalise its investigation into the incident involving Kurtley Beale and Wallabies staff member, Di Patston by the end of the week.
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie may also be forced to name his squad for next week's Bledisloe Cup match before an ARU investigation into Beale is completed.
This may cause McKenzie some problems with inside back Matt Toomua battling a concussion problem – it would be difficult to leave Beale out of the squad on form alone.
Troubled star Beale was immediately whisked away by ARU officials upon touching down in Sydney on Tuesday with his playing future unclear,
Both Beale and McKenzie are set to be interviewed on Wednesday and the Wallabies coach will announce his squad for the Bledisloe Test – against New Zealand in Brisbane on October 18 – on either Thursday or Friday this week.
Depending how far integrity unit boss Phil Thompson is already through his investigation, findings into Beale may not be finalised by the time the squad is announced.
The out of contract Waratahs back has been linked to possible moves to the NRL or French rugby.
McKenzie told reporters he couldn't confirm whether Beale would be included in his squad to face the All Blacks should the investigation into his off-field behaviour still be ongoing.
"You're asking questions I haven't even got around to thinking about the squad," McKenzie told the Australian Associated Press.
"Obviously we've already flagged the ARU has undertaken an investigation and that will happen.
"I don't know the exact timing. Obviously it's been targeted for this week.
"It's been a tough period."
McKenzie has flagged that personnel changes could be on the horizon for the end of year Spring Tour, after several stars have failed to impress from extended opportunities.
Stars Will Genia and Quade Cooper are both expected to play in an NRC game on Thursday and are on the comeback trail.
McKenzie confirmed the coaching staff were looking through options.
"We've got lots of situations now with injuries," he said.
"We've gone through the replays and spent all Sunday on that topic looking at the football side of it.
"There's some bits and pieces that will be a discussion amongst the coaching staff and there's things we're looking at."
"I've had lots of challenges in the job but it's quite clear we're trying to make progress and not everything is going our way."
AAP
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