Rugby: Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore welcomes review panel into failed tour of England, France, and allegations from veteran hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore says he supports a New Zealand Rugby independent review into the recently completed tour of England and France.

It marks the first time Moore has spoken since veteran hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate claimed she suffered a mental breakdown because of constant critical comments made by her "coach", which hit a boiling point in England and France.

The Black Ferns lost all four tests on tour - the first time in history New Zealand has lost four internationals in a row.

Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate Photo credit: Photosport

But it was Ngata-Aerengamate's social media post that caused concern for her health and the existing culture and environment of the Black Ferns under Moore.

Moore says he welcomes the review, although he didn't directly reference the allegations of Ngata-Aerengamate.

"I welcome NZ Rugby's supplementary review of the culture and high-performance environment in the Black Ferns," Moore says.

"As head coach of the Black Ferns, my priority is the wellbeing of everyone involved in the Black Ferns team and achieving a healthy balance between the pressures that come from preparing and competing at an elite level of sport and achieving success at pinnacle events within a supportive environment.

"I am committed to assisting with all aspects of this review to achieve a positive outcome and ensure we have robust support systems in place for the whole team, including players, coaches, and management.

"This review is particularly important as the Black Ferns accelerate preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2022."

NZR announced the review on Monday, which it says came after consultation with New Zealand Rugby Players Association.

"Simpson Grierson partner Phillipa Muir leads the panel and is joined by former Black Fern and NZRPA director Tammi Wilson Uluinayau, New Zealand Rugby National Harm Prevention Manager Eleanor Butterworth and All Blacks Manager - Leadership, Gilbert Enoka ONZM.

"The scope of the review will see Black Ferns players, management, NZR and NZRPA personnel provide feedback on the team environment, with a focus on identifying and supporting improvements as well as any behavioural or wellbeing concerns.

"The review team will present their report to NZR and NZRPA by the end of February, after the conclusion of their meetings."

Earlier this month, NZR's head of profesional rugby, Chris Lendrum said they were "distressed" by the allegations of Ngata-Aerengamate.

"There is a huge amount of support - professional support - inside the Black Ferns environment for all of our people - players and management," Lendrum said.

"We [NZR] are a big environment and we are not immune to mental health challenges, and sometimes they come in the workplace and sometimes they can be triggered by other things. 

"It's really distressing, and our first thoughts are with Te Kura and our priority is to make sure she is okay."