New Zealand rugby has not been sufficiently supportive of high performance women’s rugby, a review of the Black Ferns’ culture and environment has found.
The findings of the review were released in Auckland on Monday. It was more than 30 pages long and offered 26 recommendations.
Over the past three months, the experts have interviewed more than 50 former and current players, coaches and managers.
THINGS
Rikki Swannell calls a discussion on the state of women’s rugby with journalist and broadcaster Ashley Stanley, Black Fern Chelsea Semple and Hannah Porter, former High Performance Manager of Black Fern and NZ Rugby.
It noted that there were “challenges within the environment” as women’s football transitioned into the semi-professional era, that the management structures were not supportive of the Black Ferns and that the culture in the player group was strong, but the player group structure needed more work .
CONTINUE READING:
* Black Ferns: NZ Rugby will publish a “cultural and environmental” report on Monday
* Wayne Smith joins the Black Ferns coaching staff as the culture review looms
* The Black Ferns Culture Review Board is looking for former players to share their experiences
* Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore breaks silence following Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate allegations
The review found that some players and management described negative experiences, including culturally insensitive comments, poor communication and conflicting feedback, allegations of “favouritism” and “ghosting”, “body shaming” and a lack of recruitment, onboarding and ongoing support for management and players Player.
Laszlo Geczo/Inpho via Photoshop
New Zealand head coach Glenn Moore will lead the team into this year’s World Cup.
Black Ferns manager Glenn Moore will lead the team into this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup and insists he is committed to taking the results of the team’s culture review into account.
The findings of the review were presented by NZ Rugby Chief Executive Mark Robinson and panel members Phillipa Muir and Tammi Wilson Uluinayau.
“No one should have any doubts about our commitment to the advancement of women’s rugby in this country. This report highlights that we did not do everything right, and we apologize for not providing our employees with all the tools to be successful,” Robinson said in a statement.
“The Black Ferns have been great ambassadors for rugby; They have won five out of seven Rugby World Cups since their inception and have contributed significantly to the mana and legacy of New Zealand rugby in that time. the current group of players and the management are part of it.”
Chris McKeen/Stuff
Phillipa Muir, center, at the Black Ferns cultural and environmental review press conference, with New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson (left) and Review Panel member Tammi Wilson Uluinayau (right).
The reviewers said New Zealand rugby needs to create a safe and inclusive environment across culture, gender and sexuality and a greater focus on the rights and welfare needs of players and management.
Moore was not present but instead issued a statement through an outside PR firm saying he was “honored” to be bringing the Ferns to New Zealand for the World Cup starting October 8.
“My goal as coach of the Black Ferns is to ensure the team excels both on and off the field. I strive to maximize our performance in all aspects of the game and achieve a high standard of excellence,” said Moore.
“Participating in high-performance sport, whether as a coach, player or part of the management team, can present unique challenges and the results of Black Ferns’ Cultural and Environmental Assessment released today have highlighted a number of these challenges.
“There are findings from the review. I am committed to ensuring that these are taken into account.”
The review was launched after the Black Ferns lost all four Tests to England and France in last year’s Northern Tour.
James Crombie/Photosport
New Zealand’s Alana Bremner managed a try against England last year.
Hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate then posted on social media in December, saying she suffered a nervous breakdown after allegedly making critical comments from Moore. She wrote that the situation had come to a head on the tour that had just ended.
Chris Lendrum, general manager of professional rugby and performance at NZ Rugby, said at the time the allegations were “disturbing to read” and would be taken seriously while the tour was reviewed.
Reviewers said the situation on the tour “was not well managed or monitored and should have escalated”.
The reviewers said Ngata-Aerengamate is not alone, as other Pasifika and Māori players experienced or observed similar behavior in the area.
David Neilson/PHOTOSPORT
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate leads the haka before a 2018 Black Ferns test.
Several changes have already been made to the Black Ferns following the 2021 campaign, including last week’s announcement that Wayne Smith would join the team as technical coach to support Moore.
The report identified key issues centered on the high-performance environment, management and governance structures, communications, health, well-being and culture.
There were 26 ratings panel recommendations and NZ Rugby consulted with player leadership and management to identify a number of areas where immediate action needed to be taken.
The intent is to provide additional support and resources to focus on team culture and leadership within the management team including specific Tikanga expertise provided via NZ Rugby kaihautu Māori Luke Crawford.
Additional educational resources for players and management will be introduced, with an emphasis on harmless work sessions, communication strategies and a further emphasis on personal development plans for players through the NZ Rugby Players’ Association.
Priority will also be given to helping the player management structure grow and deepen.