The All Blacks have issued a full apology, after being slammed across social media for posts on International Women's Day that ignored the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens sides.
The post on Tuesday shared pictures of the All Blacks including Aaron Smith, Etha de Groot, Karl Tu’inukuafe and Sevu Reece with their mothers and partners and children.
But a lack of recognition for the current World Cup holding Black Ferns or Olympic gold medallist Black Ferns Sevens sides prompted backlash on social media.
In a post on Thursday, the All Blacks Twitter account issued an apology, recognising the women's sides, as well as the inaugural Super rugby Aupiki season and World Cup in New Zealand later this year.
"We stopped, we listened and we agree. We didn't get it right with our celebration of International Women's Day and we apologise," the post says.
"The Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens continue to inspire people around the world- not just with their achievements on the field, but the way they represent sport off the pitch."
"This is the year of women's rugby with Sky Super Rugby Aupiki, Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse, Commonwealth Games, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 and Rugby World Cup 2021 playing in 2022.
"We are behind you every step of the way."
The Black Ferns defend their Rugby World Cup crown later this year, with the tournament kicking off in October. The side has won five of the last eight titles since the tournament's inception in 1991.
The Black Ferns Sevens side will bid for back to back Commonwealth Games gold medals in Birmingham later this year, after winning the tournament on the Gold Coast in 2018.
