Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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