It was the most damaging public spat in the history of Australian rugby. Now the Di Patston saga has played out its final chapter behind closed doors after the former Wallaby business manager reached an out-of-court settlement with the ARU.
Patston stepped down from her role in October citing stress after the scandal involving Kurtley Beale, who was fined $45,000 for sending an offensive text message about Patston.
She returned home from a tour of Argentina to a firestorm, with questions asked about the veracity of her qualifications and her relationship with coach Ewen McKenzie, who later walked out of the game in unforgettable scenes after a Bledisloe Test match in Brisbane.
The ARU was in turn savaged for its handling of the matter before they parted ways with Patston in a deal that included a substantial severance package.
But it was far from over. Patston engaged lawyers and sought further damages through the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, where she entered evidence as part of an adverse action claim that included input from McKenzie, as well as potentially damaging texts and emails.
The matter was due to be heard in Brisbane on June 2 before Judge Angelo Vasta but when the ARU failed to meet an April 30 deadline to respond to Patston's brief of evidence, it became clear a settlement was on the horizon.
That came to play late on Tuesday afternoon, with a joint release from the ARU and Patston's lawyers bringing an end to a costly saga for the code that threatened to overshadow World Cup preparations.
Patston's lawyer, Robert Warren, said his client wanted to put the matter behind her. "Di is happy to move on with her life," Warren said.
The ARU said a mutual agreement had been reached between the warring parties.
The governing body apologised for any distress caused to Patston, who said she had taken medication to help deal with the mental strain of the crisis.
"The ARU recognises the distress caused to Ms Patston and her family and friends in relation to the events of last year and sincerely regrets that this occurred," the ARU statement said.
"The ARU wishes Ms Patston well in her future and thanks her for her diligent service at the ARU from August 2013 to October 2014 as Wallaby Team Business Manager.
"The matter is now resolved and neither the ARU nor Ms Patston will be making any further comment about the matter."
Patston had come to the Wallabies after working with McKenzie at the Queensland Reds. The ARU initially defended her appointment, before later suggesting her hiring was solely on the basis of McKenzie's recommendations.
McKenzie, the man many thought would lead Australia into this year's World Cup, is currently out of rugby. He remains in Australia and is working in his former role as a town planner.
Patston has spoken sparingly since she stepped down but any questions, for both parties, will now remain unanswered as part of a confidentiality agreement included in the final deal.
with Georgina Robinson
