Luther Burrell finds ‘closure’ after rugby racism allegations upheld

An independent investigation found the ex-England international was racially abused during his time with Newcastle Falcons

Luther Burrell spent two seasons at Newcastle (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)

Luther Burrell has found a “sense of closure” after an independent investigation found he was the victim of racial abuse during his time at Newcastle Falcons, although the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has ruled out taking disciplinary action.

Burrell’s claims made in the Mail on Sunday in June last year have been upheld by the inquiry, which interviewed 93 members of staff at the club, including players and coaches.

Amongst the evidence gathered was a post on a players’ WhatsApp group that contained a “wholly inappropriate racist term”.