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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

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

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

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become accepted 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 experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."