Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually 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 disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

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

"My 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 persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."