Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."