The All Blacks have come under fire on social media, after a post for International Women's Day that made no reference to their Black Ferns counterparts.
In a post on Tuesday - International Women's Day - the All Blacks Twitter account shared a series of images showing the likes of Aaron Smith, Ethan de Groot, Karl Tu'inukuafe and Sevu Reece, along with partners, mothers and children.
"Forever grateful to all the women in our lives that allow us to play the game we love," the All Blacks' account posted.
"Partners, mothers, daughters, doctors, physios, referees, administrators and fans. Appreciate you every day."
But there was no reference to either the Women's Rugby World Cup holding Black Ferns, or Olympic champion Black Ferns Sevens teams, drawing a negative response from the All Blacks social media following.
"Am I mistaken or do you have a team of woman [sic] that play rugby?" asked user James Weston. "Might have been worth mentioning them today perhaps…"
"Even aside from the *questionable* choice of All Blacks here, the fact the NZRU ignores the players who have won five of the last six World Cups in order to suggest women's role in rugby is solely to support the men is disgusting, telling, and sadly unsurprising," UK based Youtube channel Squidge Rugby replied.
In particular, Reece's inclusion drew criticism, after he was discharged without conviction for a domestic violence incident in 2018. The incident saw Reece lose a contract with Irish side Connacht, before he moved to the Crusaders, where he gained All Blacks selection in 2019.
Smith's reputation was also sullied, when he was caught cheating on his future wife at an airport, while on All Blacks duty.
"Framing women as no more than helpers to their men!" wrote Mhichil Ó Muireadhaigh. "Features a woman beater and serial adulterer as well."
"Impressive on international women's day to not only post the men's team not the world champion ladies but also include players guilty of assaulting women," posted Will Stevens. "Talk about hitting it waaaaaaayyy wide of the mark."
The Black Ferns have won five of the eight Women's Rugby World Cups since its inception in 1991, while the Black Ferns Sevens are the reigning Olympic champions after bringing home the gold medal from last year's Tokyo Games.
