Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe 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 "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."