Julian Savea slams abuse aimed at Ian Foster
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Former All Blacks winger Julian Savea has hit out at the social media backlash against Ian Foster in the wake of New Zealand's loss to South Africa.
Savea earned 54 test caps for the All Blacks, where he worked closely with Foster who was the assistant coach at the time.
The 32-year-old believes the reaction has been irresponsible and hurtful social media backlash against beleaguered coach Ian Foster.
Foster has borne the brunt of criticism over the past month with news media, rugby pundits and fans all weighing in.
However, Savea says some of that criticism has gone too far.
"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."
