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

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," 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 view.

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

"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 speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained 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 told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"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 become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."