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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union 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 subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 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 went on," he explained to media outlets.

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

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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