Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public 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 chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."