Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is 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.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" 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 elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"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 son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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