The Australian union says Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor have done nothing wrong despite being pictured in a fast food outlet at ten to four in the morning.
The picture was taken in the aftermath of the Lions win over Melbourne Rebels yesterday but the ARU says while the players were out late they were not drinking.
The statement says "these players have done nothing wrong. Within the team protocols, they are expected to behave responsibly and show common sense but there are no curfews in place.'
Beale has recently been treated for alcoholism following a fight with two teammates on a trip to South Africa.
At best they like the statement from the Union says weren’t drinking but at worst they are being unprofessional and not taking what’s supposed to be the biggest game in their careers seriously.
Like most people I’m not, ever have been or never will be a pro athlete so I don’t understand what it takes to prime ones body for the mammoth physical challenge that is an international rugby match but I assume eating fast food at 4 in the morning probably should not feature on the prep list.
As ever I remain open to correction, I’m not being smarty by the way I am genuinely curious to know if this is ok?
Here’s the Unions statement in full
‘There has been a full and thorough investigation of the information. The two players were out last night, but they were not drinking – 10 witnesses we have spoken to corroborated that.
‘The players went to the Rebels v Lions game with their team-mates and after the game they went back to a function at a club, with other Rebels guys. Lions players were there as well. After leaving, they stopped off to pick up some food on the way home and had pictures taken with some fans.
‘Both players are adamant that they didn’t drink and we have checked that out thoroughly. James O’Connor was driving. They have not broken any team protocols.
‘These players have done nothing wrong. Within the team protocols, they are expected to behave responsibly and show common sense but there are no curfews in place.'
