Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."