April 13, 2022
Ferns coach out of step with Māori team
The chair of Women in Rugby Aotearoa says she’s surprised Black Ferns’ coach Glenn Moore still has the job in the wake of a damning report on allegations of cultural insensitivity, favouritism and body shaming.
The review was in response to a social media post by Black Ferns player Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate that she suffered a mental health breakdown after the Black Ferns’ 2021 tour to England and France.
It found other players had experienced similar treatment or lack of support from management.
Traci Houpapa says Māori make up half the Black Ferns squad.
“We need to recognise Aotearoa comprises, especially in terms of rugby, significant support from Māori, significant support from Pasifika, and our culture, our team culture, our playing culture and rugby culture must change to reflect that,” she says.
There needs to be systemic change – not just an auntie or uncle giving advice on tikanga.