Exposing Racism in Rugby Cost Me My Career – a bold claim, but one that former England rugby star Luther Burrell stands by. In a move that sparked both admiration and controversy, Burrell went public with his experiences of racism within the sport, a decision he believes led to the premature end of his professional career. But here’s where it gets even more unsettling: despite his courage, the aftermath has been anything but straightforward.
In a revealing June 2022 interview with the Mail on Sunday, Burrell didn’t hold back. He described racism as pervasive in rugby union, backing his claims with WhatsApp messages and recounting humiliating 'jokes' he endured during his time at Newcastle. At 34 and without a contract, Burrell’s professional appearances since have been limited to just three games with the invitational Barbarians side. And this is the part most people miss: he firmly believes his career was cut short because he spoke out.
‘I had no choice but to retire because of what happened,’ Burrell told BBC Sport. ‘I wanted to keep playing, I really did. I tried to make it work, but once investigations started, opportunities dried up. It was tough—I had to accept that this fight was bigger than me.’
A Rugby Football Union (RFU) report in April 2023 validated Burrell’s claims, stating they were likely true ‘on the balance of probability.’ However, the report stopped short of definitively linking the incidents to Newcastle, citing insufficient evidence. This ambiguity has left some questioning the thoroughness of the investigation, while others argue it’s a step in the right direction. Is the RFU doing enough to address systemic racism, or are they just scratching the surface?
Burrell’s experiences weren’t confined to club level. During his England career, which included 15 caps after his 2014 debut, he faced prejudice within the national setup. ‘There were several traumatic moments in the England camp,’ he shared. ‘Some were outright discrimination, while others were rooted in an outdated, unacceptable mindset.’
What’s particularly alarming is how racism had become normalized in locker rooms, often disguised as harmless banter. ‘Over time, you start to believe it’s just the way things are, that it’s not meant to be harmful,’ Burrell explained. ‘But that’s a dangerous lie.’ Of Jamaican descent, Burrell was particularly stung when a Newcastle teammate referred to him as a ‘slave’ and made insensitive comments about his skin. This incident was the final straw that pushed him to speak out.
The RFU has responded to Burrell’s revelations by pledging to address the culture within elite rugby and implementing an action plan for the professional game. They’ve also emphasized their commitment to inclusion and diversity, with initiatives like face-to-face education for all Premiership and PWR clubs. But is this enough? Are these measures truly transformative, or are they merely reactive PR moves?
Burrell’s mother, Joyce, expressed pride in her son’s actions, despite the personal toll. ‘You should be so proud of what you’ve done,’ she told him in the BBC iPlayer documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption. ‘It’s cost you your career, but in our eyes, you’ve achieved something incredible. We’re so proud to call you our son.’ Tragically, Burrell’s father, Geoff, passed away shortly after the documentary’s filming, and his sister died earlier this year, adding another layer of emotional weight to his journey.
Today, Burrell continues his fight for change through the 12 Foundation, which aims to support underprivileged children through free sports coaching, mentoring, and nutrition education. ‘My goal is to see the sport evolve,’ he said. ‘If no one else is willing to share their story, I’ll keep fighting. We have a duty to make rugby as great as it can be. The more we talk about these issues, the more comfortable others will feel coming forward.’
But Burrell’s mission isn’t without its critics. Some argue that his focus on racism overshadows other issues in the sport, while others question whether his efforts will lead to meaningful change. Is Burrell a hero for speaking out, or is he overstepping by making rugby’s problems so public?
One thing is clear: Burrell’s story has ignited a necessary conversation about racism in rugby. Whether you agree with his methods or not, his courage to challenge the status quo is undeniable. ‘I need to grab the bull by the horns,’ he declared. ‘I’ll keep carrying this flag, no matter how heavy it gets. Rugby has the power to transform lives, just as it did mine.’
What do you think? Is Burrell’s approach the right way to tackle racism in rugby, or is there a better path forward? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this important conversation going.
