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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."