– This article originally appeared on stuff.co.nz and is reproduced with permission
The All Blacks have come under fire after choosing to mark International Women’s Day with a “tone deaf” tweet that failed to acknowledge the world champion Black Ferns, relegated women to a supporting role and featured a player who assaulted his partner.
“Forever grateful to all the women in our lives that allow us to play the game we love. Partners, mothers, daughters, doctors, physios, referees, administrators and fans. Appreciate you every day,” the post on the official All Blacks Twitter account said.
It was accompanied by a photo of Fijian-born flyer Sevu Reece, who pleaded guilty to assaulting his female partner in 2018.
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Reece was discharged without conviction after a judge ruled there were mitigating factors in the case.
There was also no mention of the Black Ferns, who have won the Women’s Rugby World Cup a record five times, or the women’s sevens team that captured gold in Tokyo.
The tweet sparked an immediate backlash on social media, with some users calling it “tone deaf” and urging the All Blacks social media team to take it down.
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“You have an INCREDIBLE women’s team to support – why are you instead focusing on the male support ‘system”, asked Stella Mills.
“Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate our wonderful men, because they don’t get enough credit”, wrote Will Owen, with a hint of sarcasm.
Former England international Kat Merchant joined the chorus of criticism, writing: “Black ferns are current world champions yet this post chose to ignore their exsistence [sic] and instead thank the women who ‘allow’ men to play. Also they used a player who has plead [sic] guilty to domestic abuse.”
https://twitter.com/AllBlacks/status/1500961834806902786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“Awks. Didn’t fancy supporting ya women’s team,” offered former English cricketer Sarah Taylor.
The Black Ferns did share an International Women’s Day post of their own from their official Twitter account, featuring pictures of captain Les Elder, Maia Roos, Michaela Blyde and Niall Williams.
The Black Ferns shared stories of the women in their lives that inspire them “to be the people and players they are.”
Several Black Ferns were contacted by Stuff but did not want to comment.
The All Blacks’ post also included a photo of halfback Aaron Smith and his partner. In 2016 the All Blacks suspended Smith for one game and he made the decision to travel home from South Africa, after witnesses saw him entering a public toilet with a woman at Christchurch Airport.
NZ Rugby has been approached for comment.
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