Kurtley Beale dropped by Australia after ‘bust-up’

SYDNEY: Troubled star Kurtley Beale was on Thursday left out of the Wallabies squad to face Argentina amid investigations over an in-flight bust-up with a team official.

Beale was allegedly involved in a heated verbal argument with Wallabies business manager Di Patston during the team’s 10-hour flight from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo on Sunday, Fairfax Media reported.

Reports said the incident, which has been referred to the Australian Rugby Union’s integrity unit for investigation, culminated in Patston’s departure from Buenos Aires two days later.

Beale’s name was missing from the 23-man match-day squad as the Wallabies also made two injury-enforced changes to face the Pumas in Mendoza on Saturday.

Lock Rob Simmons was ruled out with the effects of concussion suffered in last week’s 28-10 loss to South Africa in Cape Town and he has been replaced by Queensland Reds teammate James Horwill.

Melbourne Rebels backrower Scott Higginbotham came in at No. 8 for Ben McCalman, who injured his shoulder against the Springboks.

Coach Ewen McKenzie said he was adding an extra forward to his bench, which left no room for utility back Beale.