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

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

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin 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 finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "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 implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary 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 much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create 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 sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."