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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

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

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "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 diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition 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 persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

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

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