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Burrell gives update on RFU investigation into racism allegations
By Chris Jones
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.
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’.”
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.
“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.
“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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John, McKenzie was 10 years ago and he only lasted 15 months until the disgustingly unfair affair that brought him down. I thought that if he didn't get another gig over Eddie V2 then he was done. I read that he had been approached but declined to put his name in the ring.
There are no potential Wallaby coaches outside of McKellar unless you have some inside info?
Go to commentsThe way they are defending is sometime pathetic to be honest. Itoje is usually on the inside of the rush and he is paired with a slower tight forward. Unable to keep up with the rush we have seen the line become disconnected on the inside where the big boys are. How many times have we seen Earl rush past the first receiver almost into no mans land covering no attacker. It looks like a system without any guidance. Tome Wright, Ikitau and a number of Wallabies went back to this soft centre as did Williams, Jordan and several others. Also when the line is broken the multiple lines of defence seems to be missing. The rush is predicated on a cover and recovery system with multiple lines of defence but with England you dont see it any more. Fitness and conditioning seems to be off as well as players are struggling to keep up with the intensity of the rush. Felix Jones has left a huge hole. The whole situation was and is a mess. Why they insist on not letting him go and having him work remotely is beyond me. Its leading to massive negative press and is a hot button issue thats distracting from the squad. Also the communication around Jones and his role has been absolute rubbish and is totally disjointed. While some say he is working remotely and playing a role others are saying theres been no contact. His role has not been defined and so people keep asking and keep getting different answers. England need a clean break from him and need to start over. Whatever reason for his leaving its time to cut the rope before the saga drags the whole Borthwick regime down. As for Joe El Abd well good luck to him. He is being made to look like an amateur by the whole saga and he is being asked to coach a system thats not his and which has been perfected and honed since 2017 by Nienaber, Jones, Erasmus and Co and which was first started by White in 2004. He is literally trying to figure out a system pioneered by double world cup winning coaches at the highest level and coach it at the same time. Talk about being on a hiding to nothing.
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