Wallabies suspend Kurtley Beale after sexual assault charge

Australia international Kurtley Beale has been suspended from all rugby activity with immediate effect after being charged over an alleged sexual assault.

Rugby Australia released a statement saying NSW Waratahs star Beale, 34, would remain suspended pending the conclusion of legal proceedings as well as its own investigations.

"This step follows Mr Beale's arrest and subsequent charge with serious criminal offences, and is in line with Rugby Australia's professional player code of conduct," Rugby Australia said.

"The Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) has been informed of this development.

"As this remains a legal matter, there will be no further comment until the conclusion of these proceedings."

New South Wales Police had earlier released a statement confirming a man had been charged following an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault last year.