Not a great place to be – Maro Itoje says racism has to be eradicated from rugby

Luther Burrell was found by an independent investigation to have been the victim of racial abuse.

Maro Itoje is one of England’s most influential players (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire)

Maro Itoje says he has experienced moments that have been “below standard” as rugby confronts the findings of a damming report stating racism exists at all levels of the professional game in England.

Independent research jointly commissioned by three governing bodies in the wake of the racial abuse faced by Luther Burrell while a player at Newcastle produced a number of alarming revelations.

Interviews with players, staff and parents of academy players found “experiences of racism in every area of elite rugby covered – men’s and women’s game, national team, clubs and academies”.