NNZ last week confirmed Taurua’s return following weeks of negotiations after she was stood down early in September. It was determined that Taurua’s integrity is sound, more than nine months after player complaints about feeling “unsafe” in the Ferns environment.
She called the whole ordeal since being removed from the head coaching role on the eve of the Taini Jamison series as “horrific”.
“Look, I’m back. It’s probably the thing that I’m holding on to. And as I say, as a coach, my happy place is on court. So on the it’s training with the players, it’s in team meetings, it’s what I do, it’s how I do it. And until I sort of really get back in my eyes, then there’s still a bit to go. So, but I’m happy. It’s been a long journey over the last two months, very horrific in my eyes, but you know, I’ve got to where I am and I’m proud of that I’ve been able to stand in my own truth, so to speak.”
Stand-in coach Yvette McCausland-Durie will remain with the team as the Silver Ferns this week embark on a Northern Tour with five tests against Scotland and England, starting in Glasgow on Sunday.
Taurua said she was constrained in what she could say about the process.
“Yes, I am constrained, mainly because of what’s been signed and I will really want to honor that in regards to the integrity that I have. But also the balancing act, I suppose, that I have to be able to put my truth out there. So, I’m in my conscious space. Never been so conscious in my life. But, you know, I don’t want to be the shortest reinstatement. I’ve had enough excitement over the last two months, so but I also need to put my truth out there. So, this is a balancing act that I’m prepared to walk.”
Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke made an impassioned plea for Taurua to return after the Taini Jamison series finale to show her support for their coach.
Taurua said she believed she had the support of the majority of the Silver Ferns.
“What I was really strong on, I felt that I had the support of the players and the team, the majority. It was really important for me to get my name cleared, but also for the people that I work with as well. There’s a massive reputational damage around when things are put out around psychological harm, and fear in the culture and the environment that we work in. And, you know, it’s really standing up for those people and what’s right.”