#lutherburrell

Speaking Out Came at a Cost

Former England centre Luther Burrell has revealed that coming forward about racism in rugby union effectively ended his professional career. The 34-year-old, who played seven years at Northampton before moving to Newcastle, says the backlash and investigations following his revelations left him with no choice but to step away from the sport.

“I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on,” Burrell told BBC Sport. “I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on. That was difficult — I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me.”

Since speaking out in a June 2022 interview with the Mail on Sunday, Burrell’s only professional rugby appearances have been three matches with the invitational side the Barbarians.

The Reality of Racism in Rugby

Burrell described racism in rugby as “rife,” sharing disturbing examples of messages he received on WhatsApp and recalling training-ground “jokes” at Newcastle that were framed as banter but crossed deeply offensive lines.

In one particularly shocking incident, a teammate referred to Burrell as a “slave” and told him to apply sun cream on his wrists and ankles “where your shackles were.”

Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent, explains that this kind of behavior became normalized in dressing rooms over time.

“It’s something that has been dressed up as banter, and that’s been the problem that I’ve personally suffered and seen,” he said. “Over a period of time, you just learn to believe that it’s the norm and that is fine, and it’s not malicious, but that’s nonsense.”

Even within the England national setup, Burrell said he faced prejudice during his Test career, which saw him earn 15 caps from his debut in February 2014.

“I’ve had several traumatic experiences within England camp,” he added. “Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that’s really unacceptable.”

Investigations and RFU Response

In April 2023, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) released a report which concluded that Burrell’s claims were true “on the balance of probability.” However, the investigation noted that there was insufficient evidence to definitively verify every claim at Newcastle,

The RFU stated that Burrell’s revelations sparked “a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and the implementation of an action plan for the professional game.” Steps now include face-to-face education for every Premiership and PWR club to build inclusive cultures, with progress monitored via surveys and individual reports.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are now trained as “active bystanders,” empowered to intervene and prevent harmful behavior..

Family Support and Personal Loss

Burrell’s decision to speak out came with significant personal sacrifices, but he has found strength in his family. His mother, Joyce, praised his courage in the BBC iPlayer documentary Luther Burrell – Rugby, Racism and Redemption:

“You should be so proud of what you have done. I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son.”

Amid the documentary, Burrell also endured personal tragedy. His father, Geoff, passed away shortly after filming, and his sister died earlier this year. Despite this, Burrell remains committed to using his experience to drive change.

Building a More Inclusive Game

Burrell has not stopped fighting for equality and inclusivity in rugby. Through his charity, the 12 Foundation, he reaches children in under-served communities, offering free sports coaching, mentoring, and nutrition education.

“My intentions are pure. I want to see the evolution of the game,” he said. “If nobody else is prepared to share their story, then I’ll continue to fight that fight because I’m not just doing this for myself. I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight.”

Burrell emphasizes that rugby has the power to transform lives, just as it did for him growing up on a council estate in Huddersfield. By speaking out, he hopes to make the sport more welcoming and accessible for children facing poverty or social disadvantage.

The Cost of Courage

Burrell’s experience underscores the harsh realities athletes can face when confronting systemic issues in professional sports. While speaking out led to the end of his playing career, it also prompted critical reforms in rugby union culture, inclusion, and diversity initiatives.

Sports Channel coverage has highlighted Burrell’s bravery, noting that his story represents both the personal cost of challenging entrenched behavior and the potential for lasting change when high-profile athletes use their voices.

Inspiring Future Generations

Despite retiring from professional rugby, Burrell continues to influence the sport. By mentoring young athletes and advocating for inclusivity, he is redefining what it means to be a role model in rugby.

“Rugby has the ability to transform lives, just as it did for me,” Burrell said. “The more I talk about it, the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories. We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be.”

For Sports Channel viewers and rugby fans worldwide, Burrell’s story is more than a cautionary tale — it’s an inspiring example of resilience, courage, and the ongoing fight to make sport safe and inclusive for everyone.