Glenn Moore has stood down as Black Ferns coach, effective immediately, less than six months before the 2022 Rugby World Cup on New Zealand.
Moore, 62, had coached the NZ women since 2015, guiding them to the 2017 Rugby World Cup crown and World Rugby Team of the Year.
But Moore leaves the side after accusations against the long-term coach by veteran hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate sparked a damning review into the Black Ferns culture.
Despite the review, NZ Rugby confirmed Moore as head coach through this year's World Cup, but Moore has stepped aside, blaming the pressures of the role, and the toll it has tekan on both him and his family.
"The Black Ferns is a team of talented, motivated players, coaches and management, and I unreservedly share their goal to win this pinnacle event," he said.
"However, I remain concerned that the prolonged cultural & environmental review continues to be distracting at a time when all focus needs to be on maximising performance. As such, I feel it is in the best interests of the team that I step down.
"I would like to thank all the players, coaches and management, both past and present. It has been my privilege to lead you as head coach.
"I would also like to thank NZ Rugby for supporting me throughout my time as the Black Ferns head coach.
"I wish the team the best of luck, as they compete against the world's best female rugby players at the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup.
"You have my absolute support, but now as a fan, I will be cheering for you throughout."
Moore's decision comes as a u-turn, after he said he was "honoured" to lead the team into the World Cup and looked forward to helping them attempt to defend their 2017 title.
Moore also claimed Ngata-Aerengamate's accusations were "misleading".
Ngata-Aerengamate claimed she was told she didn't deserve to be in the team and was only picked to play the guitar, among other things, after she was dropped during last year's tour of England and France.
"When the team is not performing at the level required for international competition, then difficult and direct conversations need to happen," Moore added.
"While the social media post allegations importantly resulted in Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate receiving the health and wellbeing support she needed, I did not agree with the allegations she made and they were misleading.
"The post provided no context, and unfairly and inaccurately represented me as a coach and a person. My values and beliefs were called into question, and it was very disappointing not only to me, but also to my family.
"When used appropriately, social media can be a very powerful tool, but I believe it is important to remember that not everything that is posted is factual or in context."
NZ Rugby has not announced a replacement for Moore, with the World Cup now less than six months away, kicking off on October 8.
