Union defends Beale and O'Connor's late night

The Australian union has said Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor have done nothing wrong despite being pictured in a fast food outlet at 3.50am in the morning.

The picture was taken in the aftermath of the Lions' win over Melbourne Rebels yesterday, but the Union has said while the players were out late, they were not drinking.

The statement said: "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."

Beale has recenty been treated for alcoholism following a dfight with two teamates on a trip to South Africa.