New Zealand Rugby have apoligised to former Black Ferns hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate after another review into the team's culture found 'failings'.
It comes after Ngata-Aerengamate had revealed on her social media that she suffered a mental breakdown after last year's northern tour.
"Never would I have ever thought that I would become mentally ill in a sport that I loved so much," she wrote.
"Over the past eight 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."
A previous review done in April also revealed allegations of favouritism, ghosting and body-shaming in the Black Ferns environment.
New Zealand Rugby have now acknowledged Ngata-Aerengamate's concerns and have apologised for their role in the matter following the review.
"NZR fully accepted the review’s findings and recommendations, including the findings that stated Te Kura’s concerns expressed in her social media post were not isolated, and that following her breaking down on the end of year tour, she was not properly supported or monitored," an official statement said.
"NZR has formally apologised directly to Te Kura and her whanau for the experiences that led to a decline in hauora for her. NZR has taken responsibility for the systemic failings that led to this decline. NZR now wishes to repeat that apology to Te Kura publicly and reiterates its commitment to ensuring Te Kura receives the appropriate mental wellbeing and training support required to help her continued recovery.
"NZR further reiterates its acceptance of the review's recommendations, its commitment to ensuring their implementation moving forward and to ensuring that the Black Ferns will strive to deliver a performance culture and environment that is safe and rewarding for all.
"NZR acknowledges the courage that is required for people to speak up on mental health issues.
