Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively 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 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect 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 ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly 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 sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."