Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

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

At that time 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 happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."