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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications 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 have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

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

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist 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 speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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