Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

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

At that time 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 hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

"During 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 explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."