Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically 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 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "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 action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" 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 documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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