Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively 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 win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "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 introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after 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 work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 view, you have achieved 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 production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience 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 sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."