Serious allegations levelled at Kiwi rugby coach

Ngata-Aerengamate appears to have particularly directed her allegations at Black Ferns women’s rugby coach Glenn Moore, claiming mistreatment and verbal abuse led her to have a mental breakdown.

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“Over the past 8 years that I have been in the Black Ferns, I have struggled mentally and finally let it all out on the most recent tour. Yes, I had a mental breakdown in front of everyone,” she revealed.

Ngata-Aerengamate said various comments had been directed at her during her time in the touring party.

“That I had been selected but didn’t deserve to be in the team…

“I was told what would my students think of me? [She works as a school teacher]. I was sworn at for wearing my jacket around my hips, I was yelled at running to rucks, how I ran the ball, anything I did I felt I was doing wrong.

“A recent comment that I was picked only to play the guitar.

“From these comments I ended up going crazy. I had to do anger management counselling, I had discovered anxiety & hyperventilating for the first time in my life, I could hear these comments in my mind as I threw the ball,” she added.

“My confidence and self esteem was so low that it made me play like I was walking on egg shells and was constantly too scared to express myself. I invited self doubt and insecurities; some being unbearable to look myself in the mirror.

“The reality is that I had been defeated and it was so dark that I could no longer see my WHY. I had forgotten about the 5 year old girl who started playing rugby with her cousins 25 years ago. I let the words over the years get to me, the words became the flesh.”

NZ Rugby to investigate allegations

NZ Rugby general manager professional rugby and performance manager Chris Lendrum addressed media on Tuesday morning about the allegations, and said they would be fully investigated, while ensuring support was provided to Ngata-Aerengamate.

“My first reaction is that it is really distressing to read,’’ Lendrum said. “You never like to see any human describe their own situation in the way that Te Kura has.

“Our first priority is to make sure that TK is okay. 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.

“Clearly we take any issues raised like this incredibly seriously. We are really proud of our national team environments. Really proud of our Black Ferns and in their case we have a review underway into their 2021 year and the northern tour.

“This issue will be looked at thoroughly as part of that review. And we will go from there.”

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