Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm 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 team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility 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 economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."