Kurtley Beale's rugby career was saved on Friday night when he was declared eligible for Wallabies selection, despite a code of conduct inquiry finding him guilty of a serious violation for an image and text he sent in June. He was fined $45,000 for the offence.

The verdict was handed down publicly at 11pm on Friday, six hours after the tribunal began at the ARU's headquarters in St Leonards.

It means that he is now clear to play again after being suspended since last Thursday week, and could join the Wallabies, who left for their spring tour of Europe on Friday afternoon.

The ARU said in a statement released after the hearing broke that the charge followed a complaint from former Wallabies business manager Di Patston against Beale relating to an image he sent on June 9 this year.

However, the tribunal also found that evidence did not establish that a second more offensive text and photograph had been sent by Beale.

An ARU statement said that the three man tribunal chaired by District Court judge Mark L Williams SC "found while a serious violation had occurred, mitigating factors were taken into account to determine an appropriate sanction."

Those factors, according to the statement, included Beale's contrition, the unpleasant consequences the matter had created for the ARU employee and Beale, and the fact that Beale had already effectively been suspended from recent matches."

With Judge Williams on the panel were sports administrator John Boultbee as the Rugby Union Players' Association representative, and the barrister Dominic Villa for the ARU.

Patston did not attend the tribunal, and neither did former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, who resigned from his position last Saturday before the Wallabies lost to the All Blacks by one point in Brisbane.

ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said the ARU would accept the tribunal's findings and sanction, and would soon sit down with Beale - who is off contract - and his management team to resume negotiations over a future deal.

"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," Pulver said.

"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.

"We have obligations to our fans and the broader community and we are committed to ensuring any behaviour that has the potential to breach our Code of Conduct or values is investigated and taken seriously.

"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."

RUPA chief executive Greg Harris said:  "It was a positive outcome that the tribunal found that the more offensive text and photograph had not been sent by Kurtley.

"We are pleased that Kurtley having shown remorse and incurred the penalty will now be in a position to continue his rugby career."

Beale drove himself to the ARU offices and arrived at 4.50pm - the same time that the Wallabies were flying out from Sydney for London.

Wearing a blue suit and tie and white shirt, Beale did not speak to waiting media as he exited the elevator from the downstairs car park and entered the ARU office for the 5pm start.

Neither did he speak after the tribunal broke and the verdict was delivered in public, opting to take an undisclosed exit.

Pulver said the player, who he lauded as a "national treasure" before the start of the British and Irish Lions series last year, was not compelled to address reporters even though he is an ARU employee and could have been instructed to.

But in a statement, Beale apologised for breaching the code of conduct, saying: "I am satisfied with tonight's outcome.

"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 re-gain 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."