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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up 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 believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations 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."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended 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 dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

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

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."