Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed 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 continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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