Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

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

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

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

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities 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 the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."