Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice 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 traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming 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 open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."