Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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 problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "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 implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."