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

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's 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 extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard 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 instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud 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 sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities 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 the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."