Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 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 occurred," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do 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 think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."