Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."