Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."