Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

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

"You 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 playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised 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 support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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