Hockey Australia have released the results of their independent review into an alleged culture of “bullying, body shaming and homophobic behaviour” within the Hockeyroos’ set-up.

In the statement, the review found “a dysfunctional culture within the National Women’s High Performance Program that is not conductive to athlete wellbeing or sustained on-field success.”

A total of 29 recommendations were identified through the findings of more than 100 people who took part in the review panel, all which are focused on understanding the systemic issues and recommending paths to healing, rather than blaming any figures.

Leadership, wellbeing, cultural transformation and respectful behaviours were all key findings from the recommendations, based on interviews conducted with the performance program.

In a statement, Hockey Australia, said: “This outcome has been confronting and distressing for Hockey Australia, its management, board, athletes and staff.

“While we have made a considerable investment over the last three years, including efforts to implement changes since the Rio cycle, this has not been enough to prevent rupturing of the squad’s cohesion, particularly with the uncertainty rendered by COVID-19 and the delay of the Tokyo Olympics.

“The process of this review has seen us all have significant reflections over the past months.

“The findings have been shared with the players and we will work with them to make changes to design and implement a cultural transformation program,” the statement said.

The review has already claimed its first culprit, with head coach Paul Gaudoin resigning from the helm which displays a  “dysfunctional culture and leadership” standard, according to the review.

With the Tokyo Olympics just four months away, Hockey Australia have highlighted the need to fast track new coaching staff, as well as a high performance director.