Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."