Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

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

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just 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 allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

Racism had become accepted 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 seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

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

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."