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

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've 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"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's 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 heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."