Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," 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 malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"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 impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."