Kurtley Beale
Di Patston
A compensation claim against the Australian Rugby Union by a woman at the centre of the Kurtley Beale texting affair has been settled out of court, it was announced on Tuesday.
Former Wallabies business manager Di Patston was on the receiving end of an offensive text message sent by Beale during a team tour last year, an affair that proved hugely damaging to Australian rugby.
It sparked a heated argument on a flight from South Africa to Argentina, which ultimately led to a number of issues within the Wallabies quickly unravelling.
Coach Ewen McKenzie abruptly quit after speculation over internal dissent and his relationship with Patston, while she also resigned, citing stress. She later said the controversy had driven her to contemplate suicide.
The saga also put the spotlight on the ARU’s management of the scandal.
“The Australian Rugby Union and Di Patston today confirmed that Ms. Patston’s claim against the ARU has been resolved. The claim was due to be heard in the Federal Circuit Court,” the 2 sides said in a joint statement.
“The ARU and Ms. Patston have reached mutual agreement in relation to the matter in the interests of all parties.”
The terms of the settlement were confidential.
“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 statement added.
“The matter is now resolved and neither the ARU nor Ms. Patston will be making any further comment about the matter.”
Beale was slapped with a Aus $ 37 700.00 penalty for sending the text and for being rude and disrespectful to Wallabies team management, but continues to play for Australia.
Sport24