Black Ferns hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate’s claim that she suffered a mental breakdown after alleged critical comments from head coach Glenn Moore has shocked him and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) officials. Ngata-Aerengamate has opened up about a mental health crisis she says came to a head on the Black Ferns’ recent tour of Europe.
The world champion Kiwi side, led by Moore since 2015, lost four tests in a row for the first time against England and France last month. Ngata-Aerengamate, who has played 32 tests and won the 2017 Rugby World Cup, outlined her struggles in an Instagram post on Monday night. She appeared to aim allegations at Moore, whose position is under further scrutiny ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
She said critical comments had been directed at her during her time with the Black Ferns.
Chris Lendrum, NZR’s general manager of professional rugby and performance, said the allegations were “distressing to read” and would be taken seriously while the tour is reviewed.
Chris stated earlier this week that “Our first priority is to make sure that TK is OK, I have sent her a message this morning outlining our support and care for her, and that we are here and ready to talk when she is. And I know a number of other people in and around the Black Ferns programme are talking to her and doing the same.”
Lendrum said Ngata-Aerengamate’s post was a surprise to him and Moore. He had spoken on Tuesday morning to Moore, who was upset as well.
“I’m aware there was an issue on the tour, but it’s personal to Te Kura. She’ll be the one who wants to comment on that and has probably said all she wants to say,” he said.
“We’ve got duties to everyone involved in this case. Glenn is a long-serving employee of New Zealand Rugby, Te Kura is a long-serving Black Fern [since 2014], and they’ve worked together for a long time. It’s a tough time for him and his whānau as well, absorbing those comments.”
Lendrum said it was a concern that Ngata-Aerengamate used social media instead of the support network the players have to raise the issues that she says led to her breakdown in front of the team.
