Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin 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 finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told 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 environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging 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 ended your playing days, 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 soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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