Moore part of team to discuss Ferns contracts
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore and team management, who are under the spotlight as part of an independent review into the culture of the team, have been involved in making decisions on contracts for the squad.
Moore’s leadership came under scrutiny in December following a social media post by Black Ferns hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, who opened up about a mental health crisis which she says came to a head on the team’s northern tour in November.
An independent panel was installed by New Zealand Rugby pre-Christmas to investigate the culture, with findings ‘‘hopefully’’ due before the end of February, NZ Rugby’s head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said yesterday.
Lendrum confirmed Moore, along with Black Ferns selectors, ‘‘absolutely’’ were part of the team that made decisions about Black Fern contract allocations, ‘‘as is the case across professional rugby in New Zealand’’.
‘‘... clearly the Black Ferns coach and selectors are critical in terms of identification and selection. But the contracting process itself was handled by NZR in combination with our professional rugby teams and high performance unit,’’ he said.
Lendrum said there was no concern with Moore’s involvement in the contract decision-making process, even with the independent cultural review being undertaken.
Women in Rugby Aotearoa chair Traci Houpapa said it’s ‘‘unusual and surprising’’ that Blacks Ferns personal, who are subject to a current investigation, are a part of the decision-making process for player contracts.
‘‘At minimum, the investigation [review] process and personal, and player contracting arrangements should be completely separate,’’ she said.
‘‘The professional rugby era for Aotearoa is now. The contracting process for our wahine must be based on equity and equality and align with an overall strategic plan for women’s rugby.’’
Yesterday Stuff revealed new contracts for 30 Black Ferns players, with a base retainer of $35,000 plus benefits and appearance fees. Top Black Ferns could earn in excess of $130,000. It’s an increase from the 2018 parttime Black Fern contracts that saw retainers sit at between $12,000 and $20,000.
Players will be expected to commit between 24 and 30 hours a week to sport, with several days earmarked for ‘‘personal development’’ outside of rugby.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) would be investing upwards of $2 million towards the new Black Ferns contracts, coming from the professional player payment pool, Lendrum said.
Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge said she doesn’t have any concerns with the involvement of Moore and other Black Ferns management in the contract decision-making process.
‘‘It’s like any kind of job. There will be some happy people and some not. That’s the nature of professional sport. But for me, I’m excited,’’ she said.
The fully contracted squad is expected to assemble in Queenstown early next week for a training camp.