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All Blacks issue second apology over social media gaffe
By Kim Ekin
The All Blacks and the NZR have issued a second apology online following on from the social media backlash surrounding their International Women’s Day tweet this week.
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A tweet put out on Tuesday as part of International Women’s Day was heavily criticised on various social media platforms as it only featured All Blacks players and didn’t feature a single Black Ferns player, Black Ferns Sevens player, nor indeed any female presentation.
The use of Sevu Reece in one of the pictures was also criticised, with the winger having previously been arrested on charges of assault against his partner during a night out in 2018. While a judge ultimately discharged Reece without conviction, it was enough for Irish provincial side Connacht to tear up his contract ahead of his arrival in Ireland.
On Wednesday the NZR tweeted their first apology saying: “We didn’t get it right and we apologise – our entire rugby whanau are so proud of our Black Ferns and all our wahine, in everything that they do on and off the pitch.”
We didn’t get it right and we apologise – our entire rugby wh?nau are so proud of our @BlackFerns and all our w?hine, in everything that they do on and off the pitch.@BlackFerns @AllBlacks7s @AllBlacks @NZRugby (2/2)
— New Zealand Rugby (@NZRugby) March 9, 2022
After being criticized for not posting the apology on the larger All Blacks Twitter account, a second apology has since been issued on the far larger All Blacks platform from which the initial tweet emanated. “We’ve stopped, listened, and we agree. We didn’t get it right with our celebration of international women’s day and we apologise.
“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 the 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. ”
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Despite the secondary apology, many Twitter users complained that it had taken too long and that the offending Tweet had not been deleted fast enough.
We are listening. pic.twitter.com/CAE6EhVjFt
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) March 10, 2022
Sevu Reece a black man has been a role model to Maori and Pasifika youth/man. He has changed his life around even becoming an All Black.
Why can't NZ rugby union encourage him and praise him for the journey he has taken thus far. He made a mistake in 2018 pleaded guilty n took it on the chin.
I bet if it was a white man Zac Guilford where they gave him chances after chances he beat up his gf as well, after chances he is now charged with fraud. Will NZ rugby apologize for the white man or they only apologize for Black fallas who have actually turned their lives around.
Sitiveni Sivivatu made a mistake turned his life around became an All Black legend.
Remember Tony Veitch falla that broke his girl friends back.
No apologies from NZRFU. Why??
He changed his life around as well.
Sevu Reece you doing an awesome job buddy. Keep on that straight and narrow road we call life.
Heaven forbid that a young person who made a mistake ever be forgiven. The cancel cult must be heard
I’m sure the young person will be forgiven.
This is not really cancel culture.
I believe it’s more about the culture that NZR cares little for equality in the game nor wanting to make stand for women rights in a country where domestic abuse is such an issue.
“We don't let guys play if they don’t sweep the shed, but a bit of home discipline is ok, we’ll ignore it”
South Africa struggled to shake that racist image for a long time (messing around with silly quotas and shit) till they addressed it head on. And a social media faux pas will be met with similar drama.
I’m neither a kiwi, nor a woman so it’s none of my business but It would be smart for NZR to finally take note of the sentiment and keep it in mind. It wont hurt.