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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, 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 extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."