Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire 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 sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film 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 achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

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

"I need to grab 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 underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."