Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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 reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

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

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