Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

Then 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 went on," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body 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 given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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