Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised 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 personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."