Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised 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 begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."