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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level 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 inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. 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 documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag 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 disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."