Luther Burrell joined Newcastle Falcons in 2020 but left in June, shortly after detailing his experiences of racism
A Rugby Football Union report has upheld Luther Burrell’s claims of racial abuse in the sport.
An eight-month investigation was launched after the former England international claimed he saw an alleged racist message in a WhatsApp group involving Premiership players.
Burrell claimed racist “banter” has become “normalised” among team-mates and that racism was “rife” in the sport.
The RFU spoke to 93 current and former employees, including players and coaching staff, present at Newcastle Falcons – Burrell’s most recent club – between 2000-2022 and concluded on the “balance of probabilities” the allegations in Burrell’s original interview with the Mail on Sunday were “true, but there is insufficient evidence to say whether these claims occurred at the club, [apart from] a WhatApp message that contained a racist comment.”
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Former England rugby player Luther Burrell says he wants to influence the next generation of players to speak out against racism
The report also confirms, in relation to two further incidents, that Burrell “was subject to racial abuse and witnessed racial abuse that were made both orally and in the WhatsApp players group.”
The report concluded that on the balance of probabilities the allegations made in the Daily Mail article are true but there is insufficient evidence to say whether these allegations occurred at the club. The occurrences, that on the balance of probabilities are more likely to have happened during his time with Newcastle Falcons than not, were found to be:
• One Whatsapp message in a private communication group.
• Two other incidents (one directed at the Player and one witnessed by the Player).
The independent investigation found Burrell to be a “reliable” witness and that “his motivation for making the allegations now was his wish to eradicate such racist behaviour from Rugby Union”.
No further action will be taken by the RFU against any individuals or the club. The RFU said: “The investigation has fulfilled its objectives and does not intend to pursue a further disciplinary investigation and instead will continue to work with the club to ensure that these processes remain embedded.”
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England’s Jamie George says he is ‘gutted’ to hear about former England centre Luther Burrell’s experience of racism throughout his playing career
After spells at Leeds Carnegie and Sale Sharks, Burrell spent seven years at Northampton Saints from 2012 to 2019, winning the 2013-14 Premiership title and also making 15 appearances for England between 2014 and 2016.
He switched codes to play for rugby league side Warrington Wolves in 2019, before returning to union with Newcastle in 2020. Burrell left Falcons in June, shortly after detailing his experiences of racism.
Newcastle released a statement on Saturday that said “no further actionable evidence” – for example names, dates, times or places – that would allow them to take disciplinary action had been provided.
The club said the report would recommend additional training and education for employees of the club, as well as additional signposting for reporting concerns.
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England international Ellis Genge reacts to Luther Burrell’s racism claims, saying professional rugby players found guilty of racism should be named. Warning: viewers may find content upsetting or triggering
RFU CEO: ‘Racism has no place in rugby’
Bill Sweeney, RFU chief executive officer, said: “Luther was very brave to come forward and share his experiences of racism and classism in the game and he has the continued support of the Union.
“We must be clear that racism, classism or any form of discrimination has no place in rugby and it was important, following Luther’s revelations, to conduct a thorough investigation overseen by an independent King’s Counsel.
Christian Day, the Rugby Players Association general secretary of the trade union, said: “The release of the Newcastle Investigation shows that rugby union has work to do in addressing racism and classism in our culture.
The RPA is committed to eradicating racism from the game. Luther continues to have our full support, as do all players in the game who have faced or may face discrimination.
“We also appreciate the Newcastle players’ (and broader club’s) willingness to cooperate with a challenging investigation at their club in the summer of 2022.”
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