After detailing his experiences of racism in rugby union, Luther Burrell wants to empower younger generations.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Burrell, 32, said racism is "rife" in the sport and racist "banter" has become "normalised".
The former Northampton player said he has been the target of racist comments.
The changing room should not be used for things to be said.
A lot of it isn't from a bad place, but that doesn't mean it's ok. I don't want people to feel bad for me. A lot of what is said isn't bad, but it needs to be addressed.
Two of my children are mixed race. Is it okay for them to get the same racial banter from their friends? It is absolutely true that not.
There are many people who have experienced it. I could not say anything, but I need to speak about it.
It may allow the next generation to call it out and force change. I'm scared how people will react to it, but in the grand scheme of things, why should I care?
It's true." I would like to see our sport move forward.
At the end of last season, the player who made his professional debut in 2006 was released byNewcastle after playing for two other teams. He is going to play rugby league for the Wolves.
He won't name names but it's been going on for too long.
He says that things get said in jest and that he was called a racist term. You wouldn't think to hear things like that 20 years ago.
I allowed it to become normal. It would be funnier if I laughed it off. I didn't speak up because I was a cowardice.
You don't want to become separated from the group when you are in that environment.
It is hoped that clubs, coaches, directors of rugby will read it.
The RFU was "disturbed" and "apologised" for the experiences of Burrell, according to Bill Sweeney.
"We are disturbed that this has been Luther's experience and we applaud him for speaking out, racism in any walk of life is not acceptable," Sweeney said.
I talked to Luther to see if we could learn from his experience and if we could work together to advocate for change. Our strategy is based on inclusion and diversity, and we want to improve education and awareness.
We apologize to Luther and all of the people who have experienced discrimination and will work to eliminate it from our game.
It is saddening to hear some of the language and attitudes that Luther has been exposed to.
I have apologized to Luther for what he has gone through.
There is a lot of positive activity in the area of equality, diversity and inclusion but this is a reminder of how far we need to go.
Azeem Rafiq, a former Yorkshire player, said English cricket was "institutionally" racist.
He said that rugby has a class issue and that he had not encountered many players with the same background to him.
He said that you can see the rugby and cricket cultures. Guys from the same schools are in this class. The stuff that came out of cricket did not surprise me.
I don't know where it's gone wrong. The norm is it. I won't say we need more black people on boards or anything. It will take time to change from within. You have to plant the seeds.
The RFU launched an independent diversity and inclusion advisory group which will "shape plans" and "challenge the RFU on its progress" in the area.
The group is chaired by Ugo Monye, a former England wing, with Giselle Mather the vice-chairman.
Monye shared an article with some uncomfortable truths.
Itoje said rugby union can do more to increase diversity.
Monye claimed in February of 2021 that the Rugby Against Racism initiative waslip service.
He said earlier this month that rugby union needs to change its culture to be more inclusive.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
