Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

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

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

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

Racism had become normalised 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 myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."