Chelsea Alley's back to reality after experiencing the high of the first women's Super Rugby Aotearoa match.
The Black Fern was part of Waikato's historic 39-13 win over the Blues last weekend.
Alley took to Instagram on Tuesday, saying she's physically and mentally struggling, juggling three jobs and playing rugby semi-professionally.
She told D'Arcy Waldegrave it got to a point where she needed to get her feelings out of her system.
"What that goes to show is it was probably time someone stood up and said something along those lines."Â
She says they're expected to train as if they are full time professional athletes.
"You’re not getting the same kind of resources as a fully professional player, so kind of living a double life."
Alley says it was bold of her to stand up for other female players, because there could've been serious repercussions.
But she's relieved after receiving plenty of support.
"My teammates, members from NZRU, members from my management time, a lot of members from the All Blacks even, have been messaging me, just checking in to see if there is anything they can do to help, not just me but other players who are in my position."
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