A powerful story of courage and the consequences of speaking out: Luther Burrell's career-ending decision to expose racism in rugby union.
In a brave interview with the Mail on Sunday, Burrell revealed the extent of racism in the sport, sharing WhatsApp messages and recounting the 'jokes' he endured while playing for Newcastle. At 34 and without a contract, his professional rugby career seemed over.
"I had to retire because of what happened," Burrell told BBC Sport. "I wanted to keep playing, but when the word got out about the investigations, it all fell apart. It was a difficult fate to accept, but I knew this was bigger than me."
An RFU report in 2023 confirmed Burrell's claims, stating they were true 'on the balance of probability,' though it couldn't definitively link them to Newcastle. Burrell's experience of racism extended beyond the club, into the England set-up, where he won 15 caps.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within the England camp," he said. "It's an old-school mentality that's just unacceptable."
Racism, in Burrell's experience, was normalized in the dressing rooms. "It's been disguised as banter, and that's the problem I've personally faced and witnessed. Over time, you start to believe it's normal, but it's not okay."
The tipping point for Burrell came when a teammate referred to him as a 'slave,' telling him to apply sunscreen to his wrists and ankles 'where your shackles were.'
The RFU acknowledged that Burrell's revelations led to a deeper examination of the elite game's culture and the implementation of an action plan. They emphasized their focus on inclusion and diversity, stating that a lot of work has been done to create an inclusive culture in rugby union.
Every club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, and players are trained to be 'active bystanders,' intervening to protect others from harmful behavior.
Burrell's mother, Joyce, expressed her pride in her son, saying, "You should be so proud of what you've done. We're proud of you, and to have you as our son."
Despite personal losses, including the death of his father and sister, Burrell continues his work to open up the game. His 12 Foundation aims to reach underserved communities, providing free sports coaching, mentoring, and nutrition education to help children thrive.
"My intentions are pure. I want to see the game evolve, and if no one else is willing to share their story, I'll keep fighting. I'm not just doing this for myself. We have a duty to make rugby as great as it can be, and the more I talk about it, the more comfortable others will feel sharing their stories too."
Burrell's determination to create a more inclusive sport is inspiring. He aims to grab the bull by the horns, carry the weight, and make rugby more attractive and inclusive, believing it has the power to transform lives, just as it did for him.
A powerful reminder that speaking out against racism can have consequences, but it's a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive society.
