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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."