Kurtley Beale arrives at his disciplinary hearing © Getty Images

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Kurtley Beale has not been sacked by the Australian Rugby Union but was hit with a five-figure fine following his code-of-conduct hearing on Friday.

The independent disciplinary panel - consisting of District Court judge Mark Williams SC, former Wallaby David Giffin and barrister Dominic Villa - found Beale guilty of breaching section 7.3 of the ARU's Member Protection policy, which relates to anti-discrimination and harassment, but opted to fine him $45,000 (£24,625) instead of terminating his contract.

Beale was facing a code-of-conduct hearing into his alleged sending of lewd texts and offensive images to team-mates and inadvertently to former Wallabies business and logistics manager Di Patston. Patston resigned earlier this month citing stress following the ordeal which triggered one of the most tumultuous fortnights in Australian rugby history. The saga also claimed the scalp of coach Ewen McKenzie, who stood down after Saturday's Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand.

With new coach Michael Cheika in tow, the Wallabies left on their end-of-season tour of Europe on Friday. Beale was not included in the original squad, pending the disciplinary hearing, but could now link-up with his Australia team-mates.

Beale apologised for breaching the code-of-conduct but was relieved to escape the axe.

"I am satisfied with tonight's outcome," Beale said."There was conjecture about my contract being terminated, however the tribunal agreed that on the basis of the evidence that a fine was appropriate.

"I'm relieved there is no termination and no suspension and I can now continue playing rugby. I'm also happy the evidence presented to the tribunal did not establish that I sent the second text and photograph. This is why I fought so hard to prove my innocence regarding that text.

"I'd like to apologise to Di Patston and the broader community for my behaviour, particularly to rugby fans. I have had a fair hearing tonight and will work to regain the respect of my team-mates, fans and the general Australian community.

"I am extremely proud to represent my country, and I will work hard to ensure my behaviour reflects the honour and privilege of playing for Australia at all times, on and off the field."

ARU CEO Bill Pulver added: "This was a serious allegation and like any business, when we received that complaint we were compelled to investigate it and give Kurtley Beale an opportunity to present his case in relation to the matter in an independent forum.

"We pride ourselves on living the values of rugby - passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork. Everyone involved in rugby is aware of our expectations regarding the values on and off the field, particularly our players.

"This was deemed a serious violation by the tribunal, and as such, we intend to donate the $45,000 collected through this fine to a suitable organisation that promotes the empowerment of women.

"Negotiations regarding Kurtley's contract beyond this year have been on hold in recent weeks. As a result of the independent tribunal's decision, we will re-open those contract discussions."