Controversial former Wallabies staffer Di Patston has been described as a caring and hard-working mother figure who will be sorely missed by a number of players.
A far different picture emerged on Tuesday about Patston, the team business manager who resigned last week after Kurtley Beale’s lewd and offensive text messages about her became public.
As Test coach Ewen McKenzie praised her expertise in running the Wallabies’ business model, inside centre Christian Leali’ifano described Patston – the only female in the 46-strong squad over the past 14 months – in glowing terms.
Showing how much respect and admiration he had for Patston, a disappointed Leali’ifano said it was like “losing a mother”.
“I sort of treated her as a mother and she was the same to me and she was like my sounding board if I had any troubles,” the 27-year-old said.
“I can’t fault anything she has done for this team.
“She worked countless hours and I was always going over to her and telling her to take a break but she always had things on to make this team better.”
Leali’ifano’s comments came after a besieged McKenzie attacked the media scrutiny of Patston and her role within the team.
Since details emerged about a mid-flight spat with Beale a fortnight ago, there have been reports about dodgy qualifications in her LinkedIn account, a lawsuit for a spider bite 12 years ago and the growing unease among some players about her influence.
But Leali’ifano, who has been in the Wallabies’ squad all year and will play his first Test of 2014 against the All Blacks on Saturday, said many players, including those she knew from her 2012-13 stint at Queensland, appreciated her efforts.
“This organisation will miss her,” he said. “That’s my personal opinion.
“It’s tough, you know. It’s like losing a mother on tour.”
McKenzie, who also was forced to deny an improper relationship with Patston last week, defended the decisions he made in appointing her and how they both addressed team culture issues.
But he also admitted he felt responsible for the dire situation his former employee was now in.
Like Leali’ifano, McKenzie has been in contact with Patston and is deeply concerned about her welfare.
“She did an outstanding job for me over a long period of time and made a massive contribution,” the former Reds coach said. “Now she is suddenly on the outer and under massive pressure, heavily medicated and under a fair bit of media scrutiny, which I find incredible, the depths of that.
“Now, if you google her name, it will be difficult for her to get a job.
“It’s been a really difficult time.”
The support for Patston comes after captain Michael Hooper and vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper strongly backed Beale, who faces a code of conduct hearing next week, and appealed for him not to be sacked.
McKenzie said players would always support their teammates.
He revealed Patston saved the Australian Rugby Union between $600,000 and $700,000 from the Wallabies’ budget in the past year and defended his management model, splitting into logistics and business positions, which both NSW and Queensland also use.
Chivas
Guest
Class.... Why because it is a label you can identify with. If Lilo needs a mother type to look after him and EM feels some under his charge likewise need a bit of mothering, that is fantastic. Whatever is said it will be construed to be taking sides... It appears to me you just like the side he's taking. I guess you too have mother issues :-)
The only concrete evidence at this point in time is the texts, the argument on the plane (no detail yet), support for Beale and Di Patston has resigned. Judgements about Di Patston at this point is based on conjecture and hearsay. The context of the argument on the plane is vague. There is much conjecture about McKenzie at this point. Hence, not a lot of concrete evidence.
Monday's Expert
Guest
Yes, that's all I got from your post given most of it has been argued previously in many posts.
JamestheElder
Guest
Rubbish. The facts are really simple. Clear cut abuse followed by generous acceptance of apology. Then abused again. Guilty party supported by Captain, other senior players and assorted ''journalists''. Enough concrete there? Leadership by the Captain and senior players was needed to set Beale straight. Instead they reinforce unacceptabne behaviour. So he continued with it. So what is next level of his punishment? Make him Captain?
Jordan
Guest
@Thesnake you sir are a genuine bell end, please take your 50's views and leave the roar.
Jono
Guest
It's funny we often see players refer to male couches as "father figures" and no one really bats an eyelid, but to refer to a staffer as a "mother figure" and its suddenly not only strange, it's a negative. Says a bit about the views on the gender dynamics around the place.
RobC
Roar Guru
The essence: - Tahs already lost Kane Douglas an important cog of the Tahs - They do not want to lose Beale, who is plays a big part, not just on the field. But also a attraction - Now AAC is also leaving after RWC. A seasoned Tahs campaigner They key opportunity now, for Oz Rugby. Is to establish a close alignment between NSW and the rest of Oz Rugby: - It has been a perennial challenge in the past few years I suppose. - Both coaches are good, and when combined will add to the cooperation already setup by EM with other states. The Brumbies coach already confirmed this. - But in this case it is Cheika who has to make the changes, not EM. The next 12 months will be telling
Harry Jones
Expert
Amazingly silly sorry tale thus far
Hmm, a lot of judgements going on here without any concrete facts.
RobC
Roar Guru
Not 100% sure why either. But I can guess But Im really wouldnt know the full value because I am not a Wallaby. But it seems those who are actual Wallabies - do
RobC
Roar Guru
Ive taken smf off my readlist
BillyG
Guest
In Samoan culture there is tremendous respect and gratitude shown towards those older than yourself. Most of the current Gen-Y me-first Wallabies lack these traits, including any recognition of their own part in dividing rugby in Australia. I.e. it's not my fault or my Mate's fault. CLL shows maturity, humility and respect beyond the understanding of many of his Prima Donna team mates. He is total class.
Dru
Guest
Where the hell have you been working? Mongolia?
Dru
Guest
I don't know where to start. Honest. That it takes a kiwi journo to point out the bleeding obvious. That hurts, big time. And it's very real. Thank god for kiwi journalism. (Thanks for the link).
RT
Guest
Thanks.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Your a class act.
Ronaldo
Guest
What self serving twaddle. More sucking up to McKenzie. Pick me coach ... I support you. This is really a divided house. No wonder their form is inconsistent. They cannot possibly play for each other. It's really quite pathetic.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
There are some really dumb people about at the moment mate.
RT
Guest
That's all you got out of the post? Don't you think it's pertinent to know what exactly this persons role is in the team?
Mac
Guest
You know it's and expression, right?