Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, 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 fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."