Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."