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Burrell gives update on RFU investigation into racism allegations

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Former England centre Luther Burrell has revealed that an RFU investigation into racism in the sport is about to be released and he hopes the report will help other players avoid the problems he faced. The soon-to-be 35-year-old has chosen to continue his playing career in Japan and believes he leaves English rugby in a better place to deal with racism following his explosive revelations from a career that took him to Leeds, Sale, Northampton and Newcastle.

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Burrell lifted the lid on the alleged racism he faced when he told the Daily Mail: “Every week, every fortnight, comments about bananas when you are making a smoothie in the morning. Comments about fried chicken when you are out for dinner.

“I have heard things you wouldn’t expect to hear 20 years ago. We had a hot day at training and I told one of the lads to put on their factor 50. Someone came back and said, ‘You don’t need it, Luth, put your carrot oil on’.”

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Following the interview, the RFU asked Burrell to be part of the investigation which is understood to have also involved Newcastle. Burrell, who will face former club Northampton for the Barbarians on November 26, said: “The investigation is finished now but the RFU are now going into the report stage and I believe in a few weeks’ time potentially they will release something on what they believe is going on.

“How they decide to deal with it is up to them. For me, it is more about getting to the grassroots and academy levels so people can be authentic and respected.

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“It was never going to be a short process and they have spoken to a couple of hundred people and it hasn’t been a small process. I have been part of it and oversaw a few things and given statements when necessary. I have done it in a way that I don’t want to throw anyone or a club under the bus. I don’t think that is beneficial. I hope we create some structures for generational change to spread diversity and inclusion in areas less affluent.”

Burrell admitted he was concerned about the incidents he highlighted but has been encouraged by the support he has received. “I was worried about how it would be received and, looking back, I am so happy I did it. When I was at Twickenham for the Argentina game an ex-England player said well done for speaking out.

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“I was scared I would get some backlash but made sure I was prepared for any situation, but I knew what had happened. I didn’t want people to feel victimised. I want to create some generational change for my children and be themselves on the pitch.”

  • Tickets for Northampton Saints versus Barbarians at cinch Stadium Franklin’s Gardens on November 26 start from just £18 for adults and £5 for U18s. For more information, visit: www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/buytickets   
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RedWarrior 4 hours ago
The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


One last thing missing from English analysis

How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


Food for thought old boy!!!!

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