Students and staff at a prestigious and proud sporting school in Wellington are mourning the sudden loss of their much-loved and respected First XV rugby coach.

St Patrick’s College - the country’s oldest Catholic boys school - has reopened its doors just days into the school holidays after news of the death of popular rugby coach Willie Leota.

The 46-year-old has had a long affiliation with St Pat’s, having been a proud old boy of the college, before going on to help the school’s sporting staff with his involvement in rugby.

College spokesman Matt Buck, who also worked closely with Leota as part of the school’s rugby staff, said there had been an “outpouring of grief” when the news broke yesterday. The cause of death has not been made public.

“It’s been a massive shock - not to just lose the First XV coach, but to lose an old boy of the college and someone who spent half his life as part of our community.”

Buck said the college had reopened its doors to allow for students, staff and members of the school community to come together.

‘A great man on and off the field’

He described poignant scenes - students, teachers and coaches openly sharing their grief.

Some students in the First XV, who had travelled overseas with their families for the holidays, had to have the news told to them over the phone - something particularly difficult, he said.

One of those students is heading back home early to pay his final respects to coach Leota.

Buck said such was the impact Leota left on the team.

“He just wanted to turn young men into good young men.

“There was no messing with Willie. He was pretty strict with the boys, but the outpouring of grief, when you speak to the players, has been a testament to Willie - he played the father figure well,” he said.

“He leaves behind a beautiful young family.”

Leota’s involvement in local rugby scenes has also been acknowledged in tributes from local clubs and teams, as well as other schools and colleges in the Wellington region - including St Bernard’s College, Holy Cross Sch Miramar and St Patrick’s College Silverstream.

Wellington Rugby said in a post on Facebook: “On behalf of the Wellington Rugby community, the Wellington Rugby Football Union would like to extend our thoughts and love to the Leota family.

“Willie was a huge part of the local rugby community and a great man both on and off the field. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace, Willie.

Buck said a funeral service is being planned to be held at the school he was so staunchly proud to be a part of.