Ryley Batt has apologised for an offensive social media post, now removed ©Getty Images

Australian wheelchair rugby player Ryley Batt is to face disciplinary action for an image posted on Instagram last week.

Batt, who is currently with the national team in Vancouver for the Canada Cup, issued an apology for the post that breached Paralympics Australia's Code of Conduct and a violation of the Code of Ethics of the tournament organisers, British Columbia Wheelchair Sports Associations and Wheelchair Rugby Canada.

"I would like to sincerely apologise for my social media post from yesterday," said Batt.

"By no means were my comments intended to be racist and hurtful.

"However, I now understand that they were offensive, uneducated and damaging.

"I'm extremely embarrassed by my comments, as they are not a true reflection of who I am.

"I made a mistake here and will continue my education around this area and promise to be better."

It is not clear what the post in question was related to, but it has since been deleted.

He received an official warning from all three organisations prior to Australia's opener against Britain, which they lost 61-54.

Ryley Batt is one of the best-known wheelchair rugby players in the world ©Getty Images
Ryley Batt is one of the best-known wheelchair rugby players in the world ©Getty Images

Paralympics Australia chief executive Catherine Clark said it was disappointing that the experienced player would have such a misjudgement.

"It has been made very clear to Ryley by Paralympics Australia’s wheelchair rugby programme senior management that this post was totally unacceptable and not reflective in any way of the standard we expect," said Clark.

"Ryley has been issued with a firm reprimand by PA and may be subject to further disciplinary action when he returns home from Canada later this week.

"Paralympics Australia does acknowledge that Ryley has represented Australia with distinction for more than 18 years, including his role as Australian Paralympic Team co-captain for Tokyo 2020. 

"We believe this breach is entirely out of character and is the first blemish in an otherwise exemplary career on and off the court.

"Ryley has expressed deep remorse for his action and we will support him as continues to learn from this."

Paralympics Australia wrote to the Canadian wheelchair rugby groups as well as World Wheelchair Rugby to acknowledge the breach.

Batt is a three-time Paralympic medallist, winning titles at London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Japan defeated Canada in the final of the Canada Cup.