Kurtley Beale left out in the cold by Australia

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Michael Cheika, the new Australia coach, has declined a chance to rush Kurtley Beale back into his Wallabies squad for the tour of Europe, after the utility back was disciplined for sending an offensive text message to the team’s business manager.

Beale, 25, was given a £25,000 fine on Friday after a code of conduct hearing into allegations that he had sent “deeply offensive” text messages about the Wallabies’ departed business manager, Di Patston, who resigned under stress amid the scandal.

Beale was stood down for two matches pending the hearing, but was free to be selected for the four-Test tour, which includes matches against Wales, France, Ireland and England, after a 1 November clash with the Barbarians.

A 33-strong Wallabies squad flew out on Friday before Beale’s hearing and Cheika was informed of the tribunal’s decision while in transit, an Australian Rugby Union spokesperson said; the decision was Cheika’s alone, the spokesperson added.

The toxic scandal over the text messages was triggered by an in-flight row between Beale and Patston, and led to Ewen McKenzie’s resignation as coach. Cheika, who guided the New South Wales Waratahs to the Super Rugby title in August, was confirmed as McKenzie’s replacement this week.

Meanwhile, the Scotland lock Grant Gilchrist has been ruled out of the autumn Tests after breaking his arm during Edinburgh’s 25-17 victory over Lyon in the Challenge Cup.

Gilchrist, 24, had been named Scotland captain this week for the Tests against Argentina, the world champions, New Zealand, and Tonga.