Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 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 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

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 sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We 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 ongoing process."

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You 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 career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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