Former All Blacks winger Julian Savea has hit out at comments directed towards under-fire New Zealand coach Ian Foster.
Foster has been criticised for the All Blacks' recent failings, having led the side to many unwanted records during his tenure.
New Zealand has lost their last three test matches, following their most recent defeat at the hands of the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.
But Savea has slammed the criticism aimed at Foster.
"Shocked and disturbed at some of the comments and remarks I've seen and heard about Ian Foster on social media lately," Savea wrote on his Twitter account.
"In a country where mental health is a big issue, where 72% of suicides are men and a high number of depression amongst men, you would think people would be a bit kinder and think about their words before they make remarks on someone's integrity, appearance and character, especially when they don't know them on a personal level.
"I'm ashamed that this is how a human is treated and dragged in the media here in NZ."
Savea made his debut for the All Blacks in Foster's first year as assistant coach in 2012, and went on to earn 54 caps for New Zealand.
He last played for the All Blacks in 2017, and was man-of-the-match in Wellington's opening win in the NPC over Bay of Plenty, scoring two tries.
