Kurtley Beale allegedly distributed offensive messages and images to people within the Wallabies' set-up © Getty Images

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The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has stood down Kurtley Beale from all rugby competitions as he faces allegations of distributing 'deeply offensive' text messages in June this year.

In a statement release on Thursday afternoon, the ARU said the new allegations came to light during the investigation into an in-flight incident between Beale and and three members of the Wallabies management team on a flight between South Africa and Argentina last month.

"The additional matter was raised for the first time with ARU management earlier this week, during a separate investigation," the statement read. "As a result of these new allegations, he will not be considered for selection for the Wallabies until the Code of Conduct Tribunal reaches a conclusion.

Board chief executive Bill Pulver said it was appropriate for the allegations to be assessed independently due to their serious nature.

"This matter relates to Kurtley Beale allegedly distributing what we consider highly inappropriate and deeply offensive text messages and images to a number of people in June, referencing an ARU staff member," Pulver said. "We became aware of this incident this week and believe an independent tribunal is the appropriate forum for these allegations to be considered. This also provides Kurtley with an opportunity to present his response to the matter through an impartial process.

"The investigation into the argument on the plane has become a secondary matter in recent days, with our focus diverted to these new allegations. We will finalise the investigation into the in-flight argument in due course."

The Code of Conduct Tribunal will be chaired by District Court Judge Mark Williams and will include representatives nominated by the ARU and the Rugby Union Players' Association.

The date for the Code of Conduct Tribunal hearing will be set in coming days, but it is expected to proceed early next week.