Australia star Kurtley Beale has been found guilty of a serious breach of the Australian Rugby Union's code of conduct and fined 45,000 Australian dollars.
An independent tribunal reached its decision on Friday and fined Beale for sending an offensive photograph to an Australian Rugby Union employee - which he admitted doing - in June this year.
The tribunal, though, found that evidence did not establish that a second more offensive text and photograph had been sent by 25-year-old Beale.
"I'd like to apologise to (former Wallabies official) Di Patston and the broader community for my behaviour"
A statement released by the ARU said mitigating factors had been taken into account before determining an appropriate sanction.
"These include 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," the ARU statement read.
In the same statement, Beale said: "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 am 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 (former Wallabies official) Di Patston and the broader community for my behaviour, particularly to rugby fans.
"I have had a fair hearing and will work to regain the respect of my team-mates, fans and the general Australian community."
Beale is now eligible for Wallabies selection, and he is expected to join the Australia squad for their European tour, which starts against the Barbarians at Twickenham on 1 November and also features appointments with Wales, France, Ireland and England.
